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Thousands of documents are expected to be released, but this release falls short of the entire Epstein file.
The US Department of Justice has begun releasing portions of the vast files documenting the life and crimes of the late convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein.
But Friday’s long-awaited release is expected to fall short of the full release of the Epstein files required under recently passed legislation.
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Earlier in the day, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche warned that some documents would be delayed to ensure the privacy of Epstein’s victims.
“We expect more documents to be released in the coming weeks,” Blanche told Fox News.
“So we expect hundreds of thousands today and hundreds of thousands more in the coming weeks.”
But the announcement is likely to spur anger and possible pushback from the US Congress.
When Congress passed the Epstein File Transparency Act on November 19, it set a 30-day deadline for the release of the entire investigative file.
The law required the Department of Justice to “make available in searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” in its possession.
This includes records obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), part of the Justice Department, and internal communications regarding decisions to prosecute or not prosecute deceased investors.
The law also extends to government-owned materials related to Epstein’s co-defendant and ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as documents related to entities with “known or suspected ties” to Epstein.
However, the Epstein File Transparency Act included some exceptions. This allowed the government to redact information that could be used in ongoing investigations or that could identify victims.
It was also allowed to conceal explicit content.
Friday’s release on the Justice Department’s website included a search bar promising “the complete Epstein library.”
But on social media, some users complained of long lines to access the Justice Department’s site and that search tools failed to return results for terms related to the case.
Viewers also noted that much of the newly released material appeared to be heavily redacted, with some pages appearing to be included.
Already, members of Congress have warned that the Trump administration could face serious consequences if it does not release the entire Epstein file.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, one of the law’s sponsors, posted on social media Thursday that “anyone who attempts to hide or delete files will be subject to prosecution under the law.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s official account emphasized Blanche’s comments that the release would be partial and continuous.
“The Trump Justice Department will not meet today’s deadline to release the Epstein files,” the party wrote. “All files were required by law to be released today.”
Even some Republicans appeared to express frustration with the limited scope of Friday’s file drop.
Hours after Blanche’s interview, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on social media: “Release all files.” “It’s literally the law.”
This is a developing story. Details will be announced later.
