In brief
The U.S. Department of Justice has broadened its review of 5.2 million documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, drawing criticism from Congress for not meeting a Dec. 19 deadline for document release. With 400 attorneys working diligently, the DOJ is expected to release new information by January 20-21. The situation has sparked a political debate and prompted calls for accountability from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded its review of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to 5.2 million files, as the number of attorneys involved in the review also increases. This update follows the DOJ's struggle to meet the Congressional deadline for document release, originally set for December 19.
Recently, over 400 attorneys have been assigned to manage the review process, which is now more complex due to the sheer volume of documents. However, according to a source familiar with the situation, no additional documents will be released until January 20 or 21.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that resources from the FBI and various U.S. attorney's offices are working continuously to comply with the legal requirements. He described the approach as an all-hands-on-deck effort.
Blanche stated, Required redactions to protect victims take time but they will not stop these materials from being released.” Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing mounting pressure from Congress, particularly from Rep. Thomas Massie, who questioned her competence on social media this week, suggesting possible impeachment due to the delays in the DOJ's response.
Criticism has also come from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who has accused DOJ officials of misleading the public about the status of the Epstein files from the beginning.
In addition to the technical challenges, the opaque nature of the review has been a point of contention between parties, with Democrats looking into potential legal actions in light of the ongoing situation.
