Congress is pushing the Department of Justice to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein before the end of the year. Senators are demanding that the administration comply with the law, which requires the disclosure of records linked to the late financier and his associates.
Lawmakers Push for Transparency
Last month, Congress passed legislation requiring the DOJ to disclose all materials connected to Epstein. The law also covers documents about Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s known associates, internal DOJ decisions on the case, and records on his detention and death. The files must be released by Friday, and Senate Democrats warned that withholding them could trigger legal and political consequences.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the administration to act openly, saying attempts to hide information or exploit exemptions will not succeed. He warned, “Stop hiding, stop delaying.”
Trump Signs Bill Amid Congressional Pressure
President Trump signed the legislation shortly after it passed, responding to pressure from lawmakers in both the Senate and House. Initially, the DOJ argued that further disclosure was unnecessary, but political pressure convinced the administration to change its position. The law instructs the DOJ to release unclassified records while allowing it to withhold sensitive materials, such as victim identities, medical files, child abuse content, classified national security information, or documents linked to active investigations.
Lawmakers React to the Upcoming Release
Republicans generally expect the DOJ to comply, but they differ in enthusiasm. Senator Josh Hawley expects the documents to appear soon and expressed strong support for transparency. Senator Eric Schmitt dismissed Schumer’s legal threats, calling him “one of the worst senators in the country.”
Other Republicans, like Senator Ron Johnson, are less focused on the release but remain curious about what new information the documents might reveal.
