DOJ Releases Names In Epstein Files, Prompting Criticism
Deputy AG Todd Blanche sent Congress a six-page list of 'politically exposed persons' from the Justice Department’s Epstein files, prompting criticism from lawmakers and international probes.
Overview
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a six-page letter to top House and Senate Judiciary Committee members listing 'politically exposed persons' referenced in the Justice Department’s released Epstein files, the letter states.
The list was produced under the Epstein Files Transparency Act after the Justice Department released over 3 million documents from its Epstein records, the letter says.
Rep. Ro Khanna said the Justice Department was 'purposefully muddying the waters' on who was a predator and who was merely mentioned, and Rep. Nancy Mace said there were 'missing names' on the disclosed list.
The letter says only Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have been charged in connection with Epstein’s crimes, and it lists individuals described as presidents, business leaders, government officials and cultural figures.
The department said it redacted material for deliberative process, work product and attorney-client communications, even beyond statutory requirements, while lawmakers and foreign governments continue probing and pressing for accountability.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Epstein-files coverage as a widening scandal implicating elites, emphasizing "connections" and "fallout" while repeatedly noting lack of criminal accusations. Editorial choices — headlines like "blast radius," rolling lists of officials, and highlighting resignations or hearings — shape a reputational-narrative (editorial framing) distinct from quoted denials or factual flight logs (source content).
Sources (8)
FAQ
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump on November 19, 2025, requires the Department of Justice to publish unclassified records, documents, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs, and individuals named in connection with Epstein's criminal activities, while protecting victim privacy.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a six-page letter to House and Senate Judiciary Committee leaders listing 'politically exposed persons'—such as presidents, business leaders, government officials, and cultural figures—referenced in the released Epstein files.[1]
Rep. Ro Khanna criticized the DOJ for 'purposefully muddying the waters' by grouping predators and merely mentioned individuals together, while Rep. Nancy Mace noted 'missing names' on the list and questioned redactions.[1]
The Justice Department released over 3 million pages (initially stated as 3.5 million responsive pages) from its Epstein records, with more than 6 million pages identified as potentially responsive.
Only Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have been charged in connection with Epstein’s crimes, as stated in the DOJ letter.[1]
History
4 sources