Justice Department Makes Slow Progress in Reviewing Millions of Epstein Files, No Release Date in Sight.
The Justice Department has confirmed that it is making "substantial progress" in reviewing millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but despite the ongoing effort, a release date for the remaining files remains uncertain. The department claims that its review process requires around-the-clock attention due to the sheer volume of materials involved, resulting in platform operations requiring constant technical assistance.
As of Thursday, over 500 reviewers have been working on reviewing and redacting millions of pages of documents, with an additional 80 attorneys from the department's criminal division being added to supplement the effort. However, despite this progress, only a small fraction of the expected documents have been released so far - just 12,285 out of more than two million.
The Justice Department has maintained that releasing the remaining files on time would be impossible, citing the need for redacting victims' personal information and other sensitive materials as per the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law requires the department to prioritize protecting victim privacy while making these documents publicly available.
Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer has ordered the Justice Department to address concerns from lawmakers regarding non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, calling for a special master to facilitate compliance. Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ro Khanna of California had raised concerns about the department's handling of documents related to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex-trafficking charges.
Epstein survivors, Congress members, and watchdog groups have separately asked the Justice Department Inspector General's office to investigate whether the agency is mishandling its responsibilities in releasing the Epstein files. With the legal deadline for publishing the records having passed on December 19, the department continues to work towards releasing more documents in a rolling basis.
Despite the progress made so far, it remains unclear when the next batch of files will be released. The Justice Department has not provided any updates on this front, fueling speculation about the potential timeline for the remaining documents.
The Justice Department has confirmed that it is making "substantial progress" in reviewing millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but despite the ongoing effort, a release date for the remaining files remains uncertain. The department claims that its review process requires around-the-clock attention due to the sheer volume of materials involved, resulting in platform operations requiring constant technical assistance.
As of Thursday, over 500 reviewers have been working on reviewing and redacting millions of pages of documents, with an additional 80 attorneys from the department's criminal division being added to supplement the effort. However, despite this progress, only a small fraction of the expected documents have been released so far - just 12,285 out of more than two million.
The Justice Department has maintained that releasing the remaining files on time would be impossible, citing the need for redacting victims' personal information and other sensitive materials as per the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law requires the department to prioritize protecting victim privacy while making these documents publicly available.
Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer has ordered the Justice Department to address concerns from lawmakers regarding non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, calling for a special master to facilitate compliance. Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ro Khanna of California had raised concerns about the department's handling of documents related to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex-trafficking charges.
Epstein survivors, Congress members, and watchdog groups have separately asked the Justice Department Inspector General's office to investigate whether the agency is mishandling its responsibilities in releasing the Epstein files. With the legal deadline for publishing the records having passed on December 19, the department continues to work towards releasing more documents in a rolling basis.
Despite the progress made so far, it remains unclear when the next batch of files will be released. The Justice Department has not provided any updates on this front, fueling speculation about the potential timeline for the remaining documents.
. It's like they're stuck in limbo, and I'm starting to get a bit concerned that we'll never see the full picture of what went down. The fact that it's taking this long just to redact victim info feels like a lot of bureaucratic overkill 
. And now with the special master appointed by Judge Engelmayer, I hope they're able to speed up the process without compromising the need for privacy protection. We need transparency and accountability here, especially given the high-profile nature of these cases. Fingers crossed we'll see some updates soon 
. I mean, over 500 reviewers and 80 attorneys are working around the clock, but we're only seeing a tiny fraction of them being released? It's like they're taking their sweet time to give us some answers about what really went down.
. It's like the Justice Department is saying, "Sorry, folks, we can't show you these files because we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings." Give me a break!
. And can we talk about how infuriating it is that they won't even give us a timeline for the release? It's like, I get it, redacting all those victim's info and whatnot takes time, but come on! 
12,285 out of two million is not exactly a lot, especially considering how much drama surrounding these files there is. And now, lawmakers are breathing down their necks? Like, about time! 
And to think that Epstein survivors and Congress members are even bothering to ask for an investigation into the Justice Department's handling... it's just so frustrating! The only thing that keeps me going right now is the thought of finally getting some answers and closure. Let's get those files out already! 
. And what about the victims who have been waiting for answers? 
The Justice Department says they're making progress, but it takes forever to get anything done. I swear, my school's slower than that 
. Anyway, back to the Epstein case... how much longer is it going to take before we see those documents? 
What's really going on here? Is it just a case of bureaucratic red tape or is there something more sinister at play? 
. I mean, we've had like a year now and we're just getting 12,000 pages out of 2 million? It's crazy! The Justice Department is saying they need more time to redact all the victim info, but I get it, that's important. But come on, can't they at least give us some kind of update on when we might see the rest of them? 
. The Justice Department is making progress or they'd be releasing those files already. I hope someone in Congress does some real digging and finds out what's really going on behind the scenes 
I'm so done with all the excuses and delays... it's like they're trying to keep us in suspense or something. 
I don't think anyone cares about the process anymore, we just want the truth! 
And what's up with all these extra attorneys being added now? Does that mean they're gonna finally get it done?