DOJ Releases Millions of Epstein Files Under New Transparency Act

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on January 30, 2026, released an extensive tranche of over 3 million additional pages—part of more than 6 million processed records—bringing the cumulative total of released Epstein files well beyond prior batches, fulfilling requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405), passed by Congress in November 2025 and signed by President Trump on November 19

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release during a Friday press briefing, highlighting the unprecedented scope. The newly public documents include over 2,000 video recordings and 180,000 images, sourced from Florida and New York cases against Epstein and Maxwell, investigations into Epstein's death, a Florida case on his former butler, multiple FBI probes, and the Office of Inspector General. A team of over 500 DOJ attorneys and reviewers worked nights, weekends, and holidays after missing the December 19, 2025, deadline. Releases have occurred on a rolling basis.

Extensive Review and Redaction Process

The DOJ emphasized meticulous preparation, with redactions limited to protect victims and families, medical files, child exploitation material, depictions of violence, privileges (e.g., attorney-client), duplicates, and unrelated items. Some pornographic images were redacted, treating depicted women as potential victims. Notable individuals and politicians were not redacted. The release includes public-submitted fakes and false claims, such as unsubstantiated pre-2020 election tips against President Trump. DOJ will withhold or redact about 200,000 pages deemed protected by various privileges.

Key Disclosures Amidst Millions of Pages

Among the files, standout documents include:

• Charts and diagrams of Epstein's inner circle, featuring Ghislaine Maxwell, Jean-Luc Brunel (deceased), lawyer Darren Indyke, accountant Richard Kahn, assistant Lesley Groff, adviser Harry Beller, and Les Wexner.
• A spreadsheet listing eight 'suspected co-conspirators,' including Maxwell, Brunel, and Groff (some also identified as victims).
• Epstein's August 8, 2019, will, which transferred assets to a preexisting 1953 Trust (initially valued at ~$577 million). Public confirmation of specific distribution amounts or named beneficiaries beyond general acknowledgement of Karyna Shuliak as a known beneficiary is not available.
• Details on financial transfers from Epstein to Peter Mandelson's husband after Epstein's 2009 release from prison.
• Details related to the 2005 police investigation in Florida, which led to a 2006 state charge (one count of solicitation) and a 2008 plea deal, distinct from the unpursued 2007 federal draft. No multi-charge 2005 state indictment of the described scope was pursued.
• Details on Bill Gates' multiple 2011+ meetings with Epstein at his NYC townhouse on philanthropy/global health; Epstein's 2013 self-notes unsubstantiatedly accusing Gates of extramarital affairs/drug-facilitated encounters (Gates' foundation called 'absurd and false'). No Gates wrongdoing or Little St. James flight logs.
• Howard Lutnick's 2012 emails planning a Little St. James visit/lunch (ties reportedly ended ~2005).
• An uncorroborated 2002 'Melania' email to Maxwell.
• An email from Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under President Obama, expressing adoration for Epstein in 2015.
• Over 3,200 Trump mentions (tips, articles), including baseless abuse claims lacking evidence.

Files reference prior Clinton photos at Epstein properties (no misconduct). Emerging reports note photos potentially showing Prince Andrew with Epstein associates.

DOJ Defends Process Amidst Political Scrutiny

Blanche defended the effort as 'unprecedented,' denying White House oversight or protection of Trump (or anyone): 'We did not protect President Trump. We didn’t protect — or not protect — anybody.' No secret 'client list' or new prosecutable evidence found, though any abuse proof would prompt charges. Trump appears in 1990s flight logs (pre-falling out), without wrongdoing implication. DOJ states this fulfills legal obligations.

Criticism and Ongoing Concerns

Critics include victims' lawyers reporting unredacted survivor names/identifiers (ABC confirmed multiples; previously anonymous women exposed). Attorney Brad Edwards called it 'thousands of mistakes,' urging DOJ to pause/pull files for fixes (DOJ requested flags via EFTA@usdoj.gov). Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda ('Minor Victim 1') described it as her 'most saddening, deeply upsetting, heartbroken day' (CNN). Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA, bill co-sponsor) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) questioned ~2.5M withheld pages (Democrats allege up to 50%), demanding FBI 302 victim interviews, 2007 Florida probe files, and Epstein computer data: 'Failing to release these... shields the powerful.' Democrats alleged delays shielded Trump; Blanche rejected this, prioritizing victims.

January 31 Updates and Live Coverage

As of January 31, live coverage continues via NYT, CNN, BBC, NBC, and others, with focus on reactions and emerging details from the files. No further major releases announced, but congressional report on redactions forthcoming. Victims can report errors to EFTA@usdoj.gov. Access files at DOJ Epstein Library.