DOJ Delays Epstein Files Release

The United States — United States Department of Justice announced a further delay in the full public release of Jeffrey Epstein files, citing the sudden discovery of over a million additional potentially relevant documents by the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This development comes after the department missed a congressionally mandated December 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The delay has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, including Chuck Schumer and Thomas Massie, who allege a 'blatant cover-up' and legal violations. The United States — White House, however, defended the United States — United States Department of Justice's handling of the records. The released documents, though often redacted, have included grand jury testimony and emails suggesting connections between Ghislaine Maxwell and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and more frequent flights by Donald Trump on Jeffrey Epstein's private plane than previously known. Senators have called for an independent audit by Don Berthiaume, the acting inspector general, to ensure full transparency.