Epstein File Release Generates More Controversy as Deadline Passes

What Happened?

The deadline to release documents and evidence from the Epstein files has passed with only a partial publication from the Department of Justice (DOJ), prompting criticism and threats from some Congressional lawmakers to file contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi. Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky could try to bring impeachment charges against Ms. Bondi in the coming weeks.

The phrase Epstein files refer to all information amassed by the U.S. Justice Department during its two criminal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ insists it has complied with Congressional law, which mandated the release of information from the Epstein case files. Thousands of pages of documents have been released, but many are heavily redacted. 

Why it Matters

The Epstein Transparency Act required the DOJ to publish in a searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. That included materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs and travel records, and individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. 

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached

If you spend a good amount on Amazon, this card could easily be worth $100s in cash back every year. And — even better — you could get approved extremely fast. If approved, you’ll receive an insanely valuable welcome bonus deposited straight into your Amazon account, ready to use immediately.

You also don’t have to jump through any hoops to get this bonus. No extra work or special spending requirements. Get approved, and it’s yours.

This might be one of the most powerful cash back cards available, especially considering how much most people spend on Amazon each month. It gives you the chance to earn cash back on the purchases you’re already making, turning your routine shopping into something that actually pays you back.

If you shop at Amazon or Whole Foods, this card could help you earn meaningful cash back on every purchase you make. But this offer won’t last forever — and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, this card is as close to a no-brainer as it gets.

Amazon Prime members: See what you could get, no strings attached

Under the law, the DOJ is permitted to withhold certain information, such as the personal information of victims and materials that would jeopardize an active federal investigation. Additionally, not later than 15 days after the required publication, DOJ is required to report to Congress all categories of information released and withheld. As well as a summary of any redactions made, and a list of all government officials and politically exposed individuals named or referenced in the published materials.

Contempt against Ms. Bondi is a different legal mechanism than impeachment, because impeachment would require the support of the U.S. Senate, but contempt would only require approval in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, contempt charges could levy fines against Ms. Bondi, which would increase every day the full trove of information from the Epstein files is not made public. 

The DOJ claims the total volume of documents is more than one million pages, and that the Epstein File Transparency Act requires redaction to protect victims or their families. In addition, the DOJ has argued that even if they release information after the deadline has passed, they would still be following the law. U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have said they are building a bi-partisan coalition to bring contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi.

How it Affects You

Instead of ending the controversy over links between convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein and senior members of the U.S. government, the publication of those files has simply taken the controversy in a new direction. Now the Trump Administration finds itself faced with allegations that it violated Congressional law with respect to the Epstein files, which could become a larger issue than the content of the files themselves. 

More breaking news below…

It’s not a boom — but it’s no longer frozen. Read more here…

Car bomb in Moscow kills Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvrarov, commander of Russia’s Directorate of Operational Training. Read more here…