Recent releases of over three million files related to Jeffrey Epstein have only fueled public frustration and outrage. Many believe that crucial documents are still being hidden, keeping the full truth about Epstein’s crimes and his connections under wraps.
The Department of Justice, during Donald Trump’s presidency, was mandated to release all investigative files surrounding Epstein by December 19 under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, the latest release occurred several weeks past this deadline, adding to the growing dissatisfaction.
Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General and former criminal defense lawyer for Trump, remarked that this release was the culmination of an exhaustive effort to ensure transparency, as dictated by the act. Blanche assured that all formalities concerning the act will be seen to completion once the final report is submitted to Congress and the necessary justifications for redactions are published.
Blanche further explained the discrepancy in their findings. While they initially tallied over six million potentially relevant pages, approximately three million were released to maximize transparency. It was a conservative approach to accounting, he noted.
The delayed release and the remaining files have spurred critics to urge further disclosure. Many are seeking answers to how Epstein managed to abuse young girls for years seemingly without consequence and how he managed a favorable plea agreement almost two decades ago.
Jennifer Plotkin of Merson Law, representing over 30 Epstein victims, expressed that the release of these files highlights the government’s repeated failings towards the victims.
Prominent women’s rights lawyer, Dr. Ann Olivarius, founding partner at McAllister Olivarius, stated that while there is ample documentation of Epstein’s crimes, the shield provided to him remains obscured. The important question of who intervened to halt the 2007 investigation remains unanswered. She also expressed concern over the large volume of documents deemed irrelevant or duplicative.
Radar Online, which has long contested the FBI’s handling of Epstein files, also found the disclosure insufficient. Their spokesperson pointed out significant redactions and unaccounted documents and revealed ongoing legal actions to challenge any impediments to transparency.
Jennifer Freeman, representing client Maria Farmer alongside Marsh Law Firm, criticized the handling of disclosures, noting repeated missed deadlines and excessive redactions that have compromised survivor privacy.
High-profile Democrats have been vocal, with Congressman Jamie Raskin accusing the DOJ of a cover-up due to the substantial number of files yet publicized and heavy redactions imposed. Raskin, ranking member of the House judiciary committee, noted the incomplete nature of the information being shared.
In light of these allegations, a Justice Department representative responded, dismissing the criticisms as unfounded complaints. The department maintains that they complied with legal obligations, having provided over 3.5 million pages to both Congress and the public, adequately highlighting those documents not pertinent.
