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Partial release of Epstein files draws criticism
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published thousands of pages of documents linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but survivors and lawmakers have condemned the move as incomplete and overly redacted. Many files remain withheld or heavily edited, fueling concerns about transparency and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Survivors express frustration over redactions
Liz Stein, an Epstein survivor, told the BBC the DOJ's actions appeared to defy the transparency law. "We just want all the evidence of these crimes out there," she said, warning that the "slow roll-out of incomplete information" could deepen distrust. Another survivor, Marina Lacerda, who was 14 when abused by Epstein, echoed these concerns, calling the redactions "disappointing" and fearing future releases would follow the same pattern.
Notable disclosures and missing files
Among the released documents were a photo of Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell outside 10 Downing Street, a claim that Epstein introduced a 14-year-old girl to former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and images of former President Bill Clinton. Photos also depicted Epstein's homes, his travels, and celebrities like Prince Andrew, Mick Jagger, and Michael Jackson. The DOJ emphasized that being named or pictured in the files does not imply wrongdoing.
However, at least 15 files vanished from the DOJ website by Saturday, including images of Clinton, the Pope, and Trump with Epstein and Maxwell. Other missing files showed a room with a massage table and nude artwork. The DOJ did not explain the removals but stated on X that materials would continue to be reviewed "in an abundance of caution."
DOJ defends redactions, faces legal scrutiny
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ identified over 1,200 victims or relatives and redacted materials to protect their identities, as well as content depicting child sexual abuse or active investigations. The department insisted it was not redacting politicians' names unless they were victims. Blanche told ABC News that all legally permissible documents mentioning Trump or others would be released, adding, "There's no effort to hold back because of that."
Legal experts and lawmakers disputed the DOJ's approach. Criminal defense attorney John Day argued the redactions would "feed conspiracy theories" and questioned whether the DOJ was fully complying with the law, which requires a log of redacted material within 15 days. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton acknowledged that some redactions-like blurring faces in photos-might seem excessive but said the department prioritized victim protection.
Lawmakers threaten action over transparency failures
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie, who championed the files' release, called the DOJ's effort "incomplete" and warned of potential impeachment or contempt proceedings. Massie accused the DOJ of violating the "spirit and letter" of the transparency law. The White House, meanwhile, defended the Trump administration as the "most transparent in history," claiming it had done more for victims than Democrats.
Human rights lawyer warns of unintended consequences
Baroness Helena Kennedy, a UK human rights lawyer, told the BBC that while survivors wanted full disclosure, they might reconsider if they knew the contents' full extent. She noted authorities' concerns about further public "denigration" of victims but stressed the need for balance.
