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U.S. Justice Department Says It Has Released Less Than 1% of Epstein Investigation Files
U.S. Justice Department Says It Has Released Less Than 1% of Epstein Investigation Files
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The U.S. Department of Justice has disclosed that it has released under 1% of the documents tied to the high‑profile Jeffrey Epstein investigation despite a federal law requiring full disclosure by a statutory deadline, intensifying calls from lawmakers for transparency and accountability.
he Justice Department revealed in a recent filing that out of an estimated 2 million documents related to the Epstein investigation, only about 12,285 documents — roughly 125,000 pages — have been reviewed and made public so far. This figure represents just about 1% of the total material lawmakers and the public expected to see after passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated full release by December 19, 2025.
Officials say the slow progress is due to the vast volume of records and the extensive process required to redact sensitive information — including victim identities and privileged material — before public disclosure. The Justice Department has deployed some 400 attorneys from various divisions to assist with the painstaking review.
Despite these efforts, the delayed release has drawn bipartisan criticism from lawmakers, including calls for legal measures to compel faster compliance with the law. Critics argue that the prolonged delay undermines public confidence in the justice system and raises questions about how thoroughly influential individuals tied to Epstein may have been investigated.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other congressional leaders have been particularly vocal, accusing the DOJ of failing to meet its legal obligations and urging officials to make the full archive public. Some lawmakers are considering formal actions to enforce the statutory deadline.
The slow pace of document release is not just a logistical issue but also a political flashpoint, particularly as the case continues to influence national discourse. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about the DOJ's handling of the files, though their motivations differ. Some focus on the need for accountability, while others press for more clarity around any mentions of prominent political figures.
The documents already released provide limited new insight into the network surrounding Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for sex trafficking. While significant portions of prior released material have focused on previously known court cases and allegations, transparency advocates argue that the remaining documents could contain crucial information about other figures who have not been publicly implicated.
Legal experts note that the Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support following public outcry over the handling of the case. The law specifically required the Department of Justice to release all non-privileged documents related to the Epstein investigation by today's deadline, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations and national security concerns.
"This isn't just about bureaucratic delays," said constitutional law professor Elena Rodriguez. "When Congress passes a law with specific deadlines and the executive branch fails to comply, it raises serious questions about the balance of power and the rule of law."
Survivor advocacy groups have expressed growing frustration with the slow pace of disclosure. "Every day that these documents remain hidden is another day that justice is delayed for the survivors," said Maria Santos, director of the Survivors' Justice Coalition. "We were promised full transparency, and instead we're getting bureaucratic excuses."
Several victim advocacy organizations have filed Freedom of Information Act requests and lawsuits to compel faster release of the documents. They argue that the public has a right to understand the full scope of Epstein's network and how it was able to operate for decades despite numerous allegations and investigations.
The delayed release also has international implications. Law enforcement agencies in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have ongoing investigations connected to Epstein's international operations. The delayed document release hampers their ability to pursue leads and coordinate with U.S. authorities.
"This isn't just an American issue," said Interpol liaison James Wilson. "Epstein operated a global network, and investigators around the world are waiting for these documents to help them understand the full international scope of his activities."
Congressional committees have scheduled hearings for early January 2026 to examine the reasons for the delay and explore legislative remedies. Some lawmakers are already drafting bills that would impose financial penalties on agencies that fail to comply with document release deadlines and create independent oversight mechanisms for high-profile investigations.
The Justice Department has stated that it remains committed to full compliance with the law but cites the complexity of the review process. "We understand the public's interest in this case," said DOJ spokesperson Amanda Chen. "Our team is working around the clock to complete the review while protecting victim privacy and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations."
As the deadline passes with only a fraction of the promised documents released, the pressure on the Justice Department continues to build. With congressional oversight hearings imminent and public interest at its peak, the Epstein document release has become a major test of government transparency in the post-Epstein era.
