Donald Trump's administration has been accused of orchestrating a "cover-up" after announcing it will not fully release the US government's Jeffrey Epstein files by a legal deadline, prompting fury from Democrats and survivors.
Legal Deadline Defied Amid Transparency Act Row
Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Congress passed in November and President Trump signed into law, the Justice Department had 30 days to release all unclassified records related to Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and other named individuals. The deadline for this comprehensive, searchable release was set for Friday, 19th December.
However, in a move that has sparked immediate condemnation, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated hours before the deadline that the department would instead release several hundred thousand documents initially, with several hundred thousand more to follow "over the next couple of weeks."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led the Democratic backlash, stating: "The law Congress passed and President Trump signed was clear as can be; the Trump administration had 30 days to release ALL the Epstein files, not just some. Failing to do so is breaking the law." He accused the Department of Justice, Trump, and Attorney General Pam Bondi of being "hellbent on hiding the truth."
Survivors' Betrayal and Political Outcry
The staggered release has been denounced as a profound betrayal by survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking ring. One victim told the Mirror: "This is a betrayal. Survivors were promised everything, not crumbs, not delays, not another cover-up to protect powerful men." The sentiment underscores the raw anger felt by those demanding full transparency.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, the lead sponsor of the Transparency Act, criticised the Justice Department's preparedness. "They have had months to prepare for this," he said, demanding a clear timeline for the full publication. He emphasised that the "north star remains justice for survivors and holding the rich and powerful men who raped young girls or covered up the abuse accountable."
Meanwhile, ranking members on the House oversight and judiciary committees, Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, issued a joint statement slamming the administration's "decision to defy the Epstein Files Transparency Act." They confirmed they are "examining all legal options" in response to what they label a violation of federal law.
DOJ Defends Process, Cites Victim Protection
The Justice Department has defended its approach, with Blanche highlighting the need to protect victims' identities. "The most important thing... is that we protect victims," he said, explaining that each document is being reviewed to redact names and graphic material.
Despite this justification, the delay has fuelled protests in Washington D.C., where demonstrators have gathered with placards demanding the files' complete and immediate release. The controversy also exposes tensions within Trump's political base, which has increasingly clamoured for transparency in the long-running Epstein case.
As the legal and political battle intensifies, all eyes are on the Department of Justice to see if it will comply with the full mandate of the law or face further accusations of a deliberate cover-up designed to shield the powerful.
