Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not meet the congressional deadline to release the full Epstein files by Friday. Instead, the department plans to deliver only a partial batch of documents, citing the need for further redactions to protect witness identities and victim information.
Blanche stated that the DOJ would share “several hundred thousand documents” with Congress on Friday, with additional batches expected over the coming weeks. The files relate to the ongoing investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose death and network of powerful associates continue to spark global controversy.
Partial Document Release Raises Legal Questions
Under the new legislation—the Epstein Files Transparency Act—the Justice Department was given 30 days to turn over the complete set of unclassified files to Congress. The law received overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed by former President Donald Trump after he reversed his initial opposition to the measure.
The act allows the DOJ to redact victim names and identifying details, but it does not include provisions for gradual or “rolling” disclosures. That means the department was expected to produce all remaining documents at once. By releasing only a portion of the materials, the DOJ risks falling short of the legal mandate, potentially triggering congressional backlash.
According to Blanche, the department’s primary obligation is to ensure that sensitive information about victims and witnesses remains protected. “We’re thoroughly reviewing every page before release,” he told media outlets. “Our goal is to shield personal identities while still complying with transparency requirements.”
Congress Pushes for Full Transparency
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, emphasized that the language of the law is “clear and unambiguous.” In a video released on Thursday—just before the disclosure deadline—Massie underscored that the DOJ and Attorney General Pam Bondi are required by statute to release all unclassified Epstein files.
“This is a rare situation,” Massie explained. “The president who signed the law also oversees the attorney general who must enforce it. There’s no room for interpretation—compliance is mandatory.”
If the DOJ fails to fully comply, the department has 15 days to provide a written explanation detailing the reasons for withholding any files. Congress could then review or challenge those justifications, adding potential tension between the legislative branch and the Justice Department.
Victim Protection vs. Public Accountability
Blanche’s remarks highlight the delicate balance between privacy and public transparency. The Epstein files include not only investigative reports but also photographs and materials related to Epstein’s network of contacts and associates.
The department’s cautious approach, while legally defensible from a privacy standpoint, faces mounting criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that withholding full documents undermines public trust. For many, the Epstein case symbolizes the need for greater government transparency regarding crimes involving influential figures.
What Happens Next
Over the coming weeks, more documents from the Epstein files are expected to be released in phases. Congress will likely monitor the DOJ’s progress closely to ensure the department fulfills its legal obligations under the transparency act. Depending on how much information remains redacted, the next wave of disclosures could shed new light on Epstein’s vast network and the role of public officials connected to his case.
As the Epstein files continue to be unsealed, public interest remains high. The upcoming document dumps could reshape our understanding of one of the most controversial criminal investigations in recent U.S. history—raising new questions about justice, power, and secrecy at the highest levels of government.