Justice Department Publishes Limited Records
The US Justice Department released thousands of files on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, including photographs, court documents, and call logs, but the release left many lawmakers and advocates frustrated. Many images show former President Bill Clinton, prompting renewed calls for a full, uncensored disclosure. Democrats immediately criticised the Trump administration, accusing it of withholding critical material despite years of public pressure for transparency. The Justice Department said it will continue releasing additional documents in the coming weeks, acknowledging the initial release is incomplete.
The trove primarily features photographs taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s New York City and US Virgin Islands properties, as well as images of investigative materials such as envelopes, folders, and boxes. Officials redacted content that could identify victims or show sexual abuse. Several court filings, public records, and disclosures to House committees were included, though some of these had already circulated publicly through prior litigation.
Trump, Political Pressure, and the Mandated Release
President Donald Trump, who had known Epstein for years before their friendship ended, initially resisted releasing the files, claiming the documents contained no new information and urging public attention elsewhere. On 19 November, under pressure from Republican colleagues, Trump signed a law requiring the Justice Department to release most files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House called Friday’s release evidence of historic transparency.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News that several hundred thousand files would be released immediately, with additional documents to follow. In practice, the actual number of files made available was far smaller. Blanche later admitted in a letter to Congress that the production remained incomplete and said the Justice Department expects to finish the release by the end of the year.
High-Profile Figures in the Released Files
Many photographs feature former President Bill Clinton, who has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet but denies knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Some images show Clinton on a private plane with a woman whose face is obscured, in a swimming pool with convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and alongside public figures including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. One image depicts Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is obscured. The Justice Department did not clarify the relevance of these photos to the criminal investigation.
Senior White House aides highlighted the images on social media. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted “Oh my!” with a shocked emoji regarding the hot tub photo, while Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, responded that “this is not about Bill Clinton,” insisting some individuals severed ties with Epstein before his crimes came to light. Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and inclusion in the files does not imply culpability.
Minimal Coverage of Trump and Others
The files reveal little new about former President Trump, who appears only minimally and in previously public images. He did not address the release at a rally Friday night in North Carolina. At least one photograph shows Prince Andrew reclining with several formally dressed women; Virginia Giuffre, a deceased Epstein accuser, alleged Epstein arranged sexual encounters for her with men including the prince.
Marina Lacerda, who says Epstein sexually assaulted her starting at age 14, criticised the partial disclosure, urging the Justice Department to release unredacted files. “Just release the files,” she said. “And stop blacking out names that don’t need to be blacked out.”
Lawmakers Criticise Partial Disclosure
Several legislators condemned the limited release. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-California) and Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), who initiated the discharge petition forcing the release, criticised the Justice Department on social media. Massie called it a failure to comply with both “the spirit and the letter of the law,” while Khanna described it as “disappointing” and pledged to press for complete records.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) said the delay denied justice to Epstein’s victims and that he is exploring all legal avenues to obtain full transparency. Democrats could take the matter to court, though such proceedings would take months while additional files are gradually released. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for Epstein’s files, which could provide another mechanism to compel the Justice Department to produce more information, though it would require support from Republicans to enforce contempt proceedings against a Republican administration.
