U.S. Justice Department Announces Major Release of Epstein Files
The U.S. Justice Department has revealed plans to release an extensive collection of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the convicted sex offender. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Friday that more than three million pages of documents will be made public, along with over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
Transparency Act Drives Document Disclosure
This massive release is mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law enacted after sustained public and political pressure to open government files on Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche emphasized that the release "marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance with the act."
The files will be accessible on the Justice Department's website and include materials that were withheld from the initial release in December 2025. Officials noted that the total number of documents under review has grown to approximately six million, accounting for duplicates.
Selective Redactions and Ongoing Investigations
While the release aims for transparency, Blanche clarified that certain items have been withheld to protect ongoing investigations and the identities of victims. In Friday's release, all women featured in the files, except Maxwell, have been redacted from pictures and video to safeguard their privacy.
Blanche also addressed speculation about political implications, stating, "We did not protect President Trump. We didn't protect — or not protect — anybody," in response to questions about Donald Trump's past ties to Epstein.
Background on the Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 but died by suicide in a New York jail cell before facing trial. In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Texas.
Previous releases of Epstein files have included tens of thousands of documents, many of which were already public or heavily redacted. The latest batch is expected to provide deeper insights into the case, though some materials remain confidential due to legal and ethical considerations.
The Justice Department's move underscores a commitment to accountability while balancing the need to protect sensitive information and victim identities.
