TL/DR –
President Trump has signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, paving the way for the public release of records related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files that will become public are from the FBI and the Justice Department’s investigations into Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The bill allows the Attorney General to withhold documents that could jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, but makes it clear that information may not be withheld due to potential embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.
Justice Department Releases Epstein Files
The Justice Department’s records relating to Jeffrey Epstein are set to be released following the signing of the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” by President Donald Trump.
Understanding the ‘Epstein Files’
The “Epstein files” refer to all documents related to the civil and criminal cases involving late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Details of Epstein Files
Over the past 20 years, tens of thousands of pages of Epstein files, originating from victims’ lawsuits and previous investigations, have become public. The forthcoming Epstein files are currently in possession of the federal government.
Schedule of Public Release
The documents to become public include the FBI’s and the Justice Department’s investigative files into Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year prison term for conspiring to sex traffic minors. The attorney general has 30 days to release these unclassified records in a searchable and downloadable format.
Reason for Release
This release of information comes as a result of a bipartisan House bill advocating for transparency and accountability for Epstein’s victims. The bill was passed in the House, approved by the Senate, and signed into law by President Trump.
Can the DOJ Withhold Files?
Some documents can be withheld by the attorney general if they jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution. The duration of the “temporary” withholding and potential penalties for non-compliance are not defined in the bill.
Inclusion of Epstein’s Emails
The committee’s other subpoenas have yielded more success, with the Epstein estate providing over 20,000 emails and documents, including correspondence with Trump, Clinton, Prince Andrew andex-treasury secretary Summers, among others.
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