US Justice Department releases Millions of Pages in Epstein Investigation

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States Department of Justice has begun releasing more than three million pages of documents linked to its long-running investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, marking what officials described as the completion of the department’s review of the files.

Speaking at a news conference in Washington on Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the document release followed a statutory deadline set by Congress and was intended to address persistent public and legislative demands for transparency.

Blanche stressed that the White House played no role in the document review process.

“They had nothing to do with this review,” he said, adding that the department “did not protect President Donald Trump,” amid repeated accusations that politically sensitive material had been withheld.

According to the Justice Department, the release includes court records, investigative materials, financial documents, photographs, videos and interview summaries, commonly known as “302” forms.

The files stem largely from federal investigations conducted in Florida and New York over several decades.

Among the newly released materials are records related to Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including booking photographs, images from search warrants executed at her New Hampshire residence, and financial records showing bank balances, wire transfers and tax-related documents.

One key document highlighted by investigators is a 2016 deposition in which Epstein repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned about his relationship with former President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation.

Epstein declined to answer every question on the subject by responding “Fifth.”

A spokesperson for Clinton has consistently said the former president severed ties with Epstein before his 2006 criminal charges and had no knowledge of his crimes.

The Justice Department said certain categories of records were withheld or heavily redacted to protect victims’ identities, exclude child sexual abuse material, safeguard personal and medical information, and avoid compromising ongoing investigations.

Blanche confirmed that some investigations remain open and that related documents would not yet be released.

Lawmakers dissatisfied with the level of redaction were told they could arrange to view unredacted materials directly at the Department of Justice.

Blanche acknowledged that public demand for information may not be fully satisfied by the release but maintained that the department had complied with the law.

CNN reporters and other media organisations are continuing to review the documents as they are made public, with further findings expected as scrutiny of the files progresses.