The U.S. Department of Justice has released its first major batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move that followed intense political pressure but which has already sparked new controversy and frustration.
The highly anticipated release, mandated by Congress to be completed by Friday, includes thousands of pages of investigative reports, photos, and police statements.
While the DOJ acknowledged it could not meet the full deadline, it disclosed “several hundred thousand pages” on Friday, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche promising “several hundred thousand more” in the coming weeks as officials redact material to protect victims and ongoing investigations.
The initial tranche confirms associations previously reported by the BBC, naming high-profile figures including former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and musicians Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson.
Crucially, the documents reiterate that being named is not an indication of wrongdoing; many identified in the files have denied any misconduct.
Yet the release has ignited bipartisan anger in Congress. The files contain over 100 pages from a grand jury investigation that are entirely blacked out, and officials have yet to provide the legally required explanations for such redactions.
Lawmakers who defied President Trump to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act argue the DOJ’s actions constitute non-compliance.
“The DOJ’s document dump… failed to comply with the law,” said Democrat Ro Khanna, who co-led the effort with Republican Thomas Massie. They have threatened possible impeachment or prosecution of justice officials over the delays.
Among the newly visible details are photos described in the documents, including one of Bill Clinton by a pool and hot tub and another allegedly showing Prince Andrew lying across two women’s laps.
The documents also contain allegations from an accuser that Epstein threatened to burn down her house, and a claim that he once introduced Donald Trump to a 14-year-old girl.
As the department prepares to release more material in the weeks ahead, the political and public scrutiny is only intensifying.
By James Kisoo
