Bondi Says DOJ Released Epstein Files Amid Redaction Disputes
Pam Bondi told Congress the Justice Department released all Epstein-related records and a list of more than 300 names, but lawmakers, survivors and attorneys say redactions and withheld material require further review.
Overview
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a Feb. 14 letter that the Justice Department released all records related to Jeffrey Epstein and provided a list of more than 300 names referenced in the released materials.
The release followed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed last year that directed disclosure of millions of documents, and lawmakers were allowed to review records beginning Feb. 9.
Lawmakers including Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the rollout, saying improper redactions remain and that the department cited "deliberative process privilege" to withhold some material.
The Justice Department has released roughly 60% of the documents, the DOJ estimates Epstein victimized more than 1,000 women and children, and Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence.
Survivors and their attorneys have condemned Bondi's handling, and lawmakers including Rep. Nancy Mace have pressed for further review, citing an internal FBI email dated March 17, 2025 and potential legal challenges.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Bondi’s release skeptically, emphasizing withheld redactions and critics’ claims. Editorial choices — loaded verbs like “avoided answering” and “clashed,” prioritized critical lawmakers’ voices (Massie, Democrats) and victim reactions, and limited institutional rebuttal — collectively suggest a narrative of incomplete transparency.
Sources (11)
FAQ
The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a law passed last year that directed the disclosure of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Pam Bondi wrote in a Feb. 14 letter that the Justice Department released all records related to Jeffrey Epstein and provided a list of more than 300 names.
Lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie criticize improper redactions and withheld material under 'deliberative process privilege'; survivors and attorneys say redactions and withheld documents require further review.
The DOJ has released roughly 60% of the documents on a rolling basis, including previously public materials like pilot logs and a new 'Evidence List', with delays due to redacting victim information.
Bondi instructed FBI Director Kash Patel to deliver full Epstein files by February 28, 2025, after learning the FBI New York field office held thousands of unreleased pages.
History
4 sources