Lawmakers Threaten Impeachment Over Redacted Epstein Files Release
TL/DR –
Lawmakers are threatening impeachment proceedings against US Attorney General Pam Bondi and others, concerning the heavily redacted or withheld documents from a legally mandated release of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Both Democrats and Republicans criticized the omissions, with the former accusing the Justice Department of intentionally scrubbing at least one image of President Trump. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, authors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, are considering seeking impeachment for those they believe are obstructing justice, including those at the Justice Department.
Lawmakers Threaten Impeachment over Epstein Files Redaction
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers disapprove of the Justice Department’s redaction and withholding of Jeffrey Epstein files, threatening impeachment proceedings against AG Pam Bondi and others responsible.
Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers criticise the omissions and Democrats accuse the Justice Department of scrubbing an image of President Trump, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warning it could be one of the biggest coverups in American history.
Trump administration officials insist the release complies with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and redactions were made solely to protect Epstein’s victims.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), co-sponsor of the Act, accuses Bondi of denying the existence of the records and producing an incomplete release.
Exploring all Options
Khanna and co-sponsor Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) are contemplating options including initiating impeachment proceedings at Justice, prosecuting those obstructing justice, and calling on courts to hold officials accountable.
In a social media post, Massie backs Khanna’s view that the release falls short of the Act’s requirements.
Following the Fox News report that redactions include names of government officials, lawmakers and the public expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the Epstein files release.
Bipartisan Concerns of Possible Coverup
Among the critics was Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) who echoed calls for transparency and accountability. Concerns were reinforced by the removal of a file featuring an image of President Trump, asserting illegality in the redactions.
Despite protests from victims and lawmakers, the White House and Justice Department leaders maintain the release is lawful. Deputy Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche assures, “The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop.”
Unanswered Questions
Jailed financier Epstein, convicted of procuring a child for prostitution, died in prison before he could be tried on sex trafficking charges. His association with notable figures has fueled speculation about possible involvement in his heinous crimes.
One email from Epstein released by the House Oversight Committee indicates that Trump “knew about the girls.” Trump denies any wrongdoing.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) calls for Bondi to clarify the redactions and omissions before the Senate Judiciary Committee, labeling it a “willful violation of the law.”
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