A 'million' new Epstein docs found, DOJ will miss deadline by weeks

The deadline was established by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed nearly unanimously by Congress in November 2025. The law requires the Justice Department to make public all unclassified documents and records related to the government’s investigations into Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, with legally required redactions to protect privacy and security. The department’s latest disclosure acknowledged the existence of the newly discovered material and the resulting delay in full compliance.

Officials said the additional documents were provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI. Justice Department lawyers are reviewing the files to remove victims’ names and other identifying information. The department emphasized that it is “working around the clock” to process and prepare the records for release, but the volume of newly unearthed material means the work will extend beyond the original deadline.

The announcement drew immediate attention from lawmakers and advocates following the yearlong effort to make Epstein-related records public. Senators from both political parties have called on the Justice Department’s inspector general to review the agency’s handling of the release after the missed deadline, stressing that survivors deserve full disclosure and accountability for the process.

The delay highlights both the logistical challenges involved in processing millions of pages of legal and investigative material and the broader public interest in transparency surrounding one of the nation’s most notorious criminal cases. The Justice Department has already posted batches of documents online, including interviews, courtroom filings, and other records connected to the Epstein and Maxwell investigations. Critics argue that earlier releases were heavily redacted, obscuring key details and prompting concerns about whether politically sensitive information was being withheld.

Lawmakers involved in crafting the transparency law have voiced criticism over the pace and scope of the releases. Some suggested that the missed deadline could warrant further oversight or congressional investigations into how the Justice Department is executing the statute’s requirements. They emphasize that the public, and particularly survivors of Epstein’s crimes, are owed clarity about the full scope of government records.

At the same time, the Justice Department defended its efforts, saying the additional time is necessary to ensure compliance with legal standards for redactions that protect victims’ privacy. Officials reiterated their commitment to releasing all records “as soon as possible,” stressing that the discovery of the extra documents was unanticipated and expanded the scope of the review.

Public reaction has been mixed. Survivor advocates and some members of Congress expressed frustration, arguing that delays and redactions hinder understanding of Epstein’s activities and network. Others view the delay as a reflection of the practical difficulties in managing a massive document review while balancing legal and privacy obligations.

The situation also intersects with broader conversations about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Because the files involve a case with ties—direct or indirect—to numerous prominent individuals, the release process has drawn sustained media coverage and public scrutiny, making it a touchpoint in ongoing debates over how government institutions balance transparency with legal constraints.

As the Justice Department continues its work, advocates and lawmakers are watching closely for further batches of documents and updates on when the remaining materials will be released. The coming weeks are expected to see continued discussion in Washington regarding timelines, compliance with the transparency law, and the broader implications of the Epstein files release for public trust in federal institutions.