Epstein Files Released in Part, Falling Short of Federal Transparency Law

The Justice Department released an initial batch of several hundred thousand documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday but admitted it would not disclose the full set by the end-of-day deadline, drawing immediate accusations from Democrats of defying federal law.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on Fox News that the partial release — including photographs and investigative materials — would occur Friday afternoon, with additional hundreds of thousands of documents to follow over the coming weeks. He cited thorough reviews to protect victim identities as the reason for the staggered approach.

This partial rollout conflicts with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law signed by President Donald Trump on November 19. It requires the full public release of all unclassified DOJ, FBI, and U.S. Attorneys' records on Epstein's sex trafficking operations, his 2019 suicide in custody, and connections to Ghislaine Maxwell by December 19, in a searchable format. Limited exceptions allow withholding victim details or materials affecting active investigations, but ban redactions for political or reputational reasons.

Democrats reacted forcefully. Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) called the plan a "violation of federal law" and vowed to pursue legal options, including potential lawsuits. Lead sponsor Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) warned of prosecutions for anyone tampering with or concealing documents, "regardless of whether they’re the attorney general or a career or political appointee."

Epstein survivor Danielle Bensky told MSNBC the delays were "nerve-wracking," as survivors had expected full disclosure on deadline day.

The controversy stems from months of tension, including July's DOJ declaration closing the case with no further releases, which sparked backlash even from Trump's supporters and led to the transparency law.

As the partial files became available, lawmakers and victims pledged continued oversight, highlighting ongoing questions about Epstein's ties to influential figures. No new charges against associates have resulted from federal investigations to date.