DOJ needs more weeks to review newly uncovered Epstein case documents

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The Justice Department announced Wednesday it requires additional time to release the complete collection of documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, citing the discovery of approximately one million additional pages.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI informed the department about these newly uncovered materials potentially connected to the Epstein case. Department officials stated they have legal teams working continuously to review the documents and apply legally mandated redactions to protect victims’ identities and privacy.

The Justice Department indicated the review process could extend several more weeks due to the substantial volume of newly discovered materials. Officials emphasized their commitment to complying with federal law and President Trump’s directive to release the files. This announcement follows Tuesday’s release of nearly 30,000 additional pages after the department faced criticism for missing the December 19 deadline established by legislation President Trump signed into law.

The department disclosed that some documents contain unsubstantiated allegations against President Trump submitted to the FBI before the 2020 election. Officials characterized these claims as unfounded and false, noting they would have been used against Trump previously if credible. Despite questions about the allegations’ validity, the department committed to releasing the documents with appropriate legal protections for Epstein’s victims.

The initial Friday release failed to satisfy lawmakers and victims who demanded complete transparency. 

Wednesday’s announcement came hours after twelve senators called for an audit examining the department’s failure to release all Epstein records. Senator Lisa Murkowski joined eleven Democrats in signing a letter asserting the department violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which established the December 19 deadline. The letter urged acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume to audit the department’s compliance with the law, citing concerns about historical resistance to releasing files and politicization of the case.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer introduced a resolution directing the Senate to pursue legal action forcing DOJ compliance with deadline requirements. Schumer characterized the Christmas Eve announcement as evidence of a coverup, questioning what information is being concealed. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the transparency legislation, criticized the document releases as incomplete and excessively redacted. Khanna revealed he and Massie were drafting articles of impeachment and inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi, though they haven’t decided whether to proceed.

Read more: Justice Dept. says it needs more time to release up to 1 million more Epstein documents