Washington | January 1, 2026
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an extensive review of more than 5.2 million documents related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, deploying over 400 lawyers to comply with a congressional mandate requiring public disclosure of Epstein-related files.
However, federal officials have made it clear that additional document releases are unlikely before January 20 or 21, 2026, missing an earlier deadline of December 19.
The review is being carried out under a law passed by Congress directing the release of Epstein-related records. According to the DOJ, the sheer volume of material and the need to protect sensitive information have significantly slowed the process.
Why the Delay?
Justice Department officials say the delay is primarily due to the time-consuming redaction process, aimed at protecting the identities and private information of victims.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the effort as an “all-hands-on-deck” review, involving the DOJ, the FBI, and federal prosecutors from Florida and New York.
Political Pressure Mounts
Political pressure on US Attorney General Pam Bondi has intensified as the delay continues. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie publicly questioned whether impeachment proceedings should be considered.
On the Democratic side, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the Justice Department of misleading the public, arguing that documents released so far represent only a small fraction of the total Epstein files.
What Could Come Next?
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna said he is willing to allow the DOJ additional weeks, provided that key materials are released. These include:
Victim statements submitted to the FBI
Names of powerful individuals allegedly involved or who helped conceal the crimes
Prosecutorial notes related to charges against Epstein and his associates
Khanna said that when the full truth emerges, it could “shake the conscience of the nation.”
Why the Case Matters Politically
The Epstein files are widely expected to become a major political issue in upcoming US midterm elections. Previously released documents indicated that Donald Trump traveled on Epstein’s private plane in the 1990s, while photographs showed former President Bill Clinton, though faces of women in the images were obscured.
Republican lawmakers are now pushing the House Oversight Committee to question Bill and Hillary Clinton as part of the investigation.
Democrats Respond
Democratic leaders have rejected claims of political shielding. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said accountability must apply equally.
“We don’t care who is in these files,” Garcia said. “Anyone involved in the exploitation of women and girls must be held accountable.”
