At a Glance
- DOJ review expanded to 5.2 million documents.
- More than 400 attorneys working; release not until Jan 20/21.
- Congress deadline Dec 19 missed; political pressure mounts.
- Why it matters: The delay and scale of the review keep the Epstein files in the national spotlight, influencing congressional oversight and the 2024 midterms.
The Justice Department has expanded its review of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to 5.2 million, adding more than 400 attorneys. It does not expect to release additional files until Jan 20 or 21, well after the Dec 19 deadline set by Congress.
DOJ Expands Review, Faces Deadline Pressure
The DOJ’s review now covers 5.2 million documents, with 400 attorneys assigned. The release of new materials is scheduled for Jan 20/21.
- The expansion follows a week past the congressional deadline.
- The review includes case files on Epstein and Maxwell.
- The DOJ is allocating significant legal resources.
Political Fallout
Todd Blanche stated:
> “We’re asking as many lawyers as possible to commit their time to review the documents that remain. Required redactions to protect victims take time, but they will not stop these materials from being released.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi faces congressional pressure after the rollout lagged behind the Dec 19 deadline. Rep. Thomas Massie questioned whether Bondi should be impeached.
Chuck Schumer said on social media that the DOJ has been lying about the files since day one, noting that released documents represent only a fraction of the total.
Rep. Ro Khanna said the expanding review shows the law is working and is willing to give the DOJ a few extra weeks if survivors’ statements and prosecution memos are released.
Rep. Thomas Massie wants the release of statements that could name influential business figures and political donors involved or complicit.
Impact on 2024 Elections
The Trump administration has struggled to move past the Epstein files. A tranche of documents released just before Christmas showed Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s, but revealed little new information. The initial release also showed photos of former President Bill Clinton with blacked-out faces.
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are seeking to force Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to appear for a deposition in January. Democrats argue the administration’s handling of the files shows it cannot be trusted and is more concerned about the wealthy than working-class voters.
Rep. Robert Garcia said:
> “Unlike the President, we don’t care who’s in the files. Anyone that’s involved in the abuse of women and girls should be held accountable.”
Key Takeaways
- DOJ review expanded to 5.2 million documents.
- Release delayed to Jan 20/21 after missing the Dec 19 deadline.
- Political pressure mounts from Congress and the media.
The expanding review keeps the Epstein files at the center of national attention, shaping congressional oversight and the 2024 midterm landscape.
