DOJ Misses Deadline to Release Epstein Files, Sparking Bipartisan Backlash in Congress

The Justice Department released thousands of records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein over the weekend, but the rollout has sparked growing frustration from lawmakers and survivors alike. The DOJ missed a Friday deadline—set by bipartisan legislation passed last month—to make all the files public, with thousands of documents still unreleased and hundreds of pages heavily redacted.

The House members who led the push for disclosure, Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Ro Khanna of California, are now threatening to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt or pursue impeachment of Justice Department officials.

"They're flouting the spirit and the letter of the law," Massie said. "And I won't be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied."

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the process in an interview with NBC, saying hundreds of lawyers are reviewing every document to protect victims' names and information. He also addressed the removal and later reposting of a photo showing President Trump alongside several women, saying it was pulled after concerns were raised about the women pictured—not because of the president's appearance in it.

The DOJ has emphasized that no redactions were made to shield prominent individuals. Still, a group representing Epstein survivors called the release "a step backward for transparency."