DOJ ordered to release unredacted Epstein files or explain why it can't
Summary
A federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to either release additional unredacted records about Jeffrey Epstein or explain why they cannot by July 2. The judge’s decision relates to a lawsuit claiming the DOJ improperly withheld or redacted important information, including files mentioning President Donald Trump.Key Facts
- Judge Emmet Sullivan gave the DOJ a deadline of July 2 to comply with the order.
- The DOJ has already released 3.5 million pages of documents under the Epstein Act.
- The lawsuit was filed by media analyst Katie Phang, who alleges the DOJ still hides or censors information improperly.
- Some redacted information includes names in emails about a “torture video” and alleged sexual abuse involving young women and minors.
- The lawsuit also claims the DOJ withheld names of co-defendants and co-conspirators in draft indictments.
- Specifically, 36 materials mentioning President Trump were reportedly withheld, including FBI interview notes from a victim claiming Epstein introduced her to Trump, who allegedly assaulted her as a teenager.
- President Trump denies any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not been charged with a crime.
- The DOJ argues Phang cannot sue because she should have used a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, but her lawyers say FOIA requests were denied.
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