The U.S. Justice Department has begun releasing a large trove of previously unreleased files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after lengthy attempts to make government records on the case public.The release comes as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by US President Donald Trump in November. It required that unclassified documents in the department’s possession be released by Dec. 19, 2025.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News on Friday that the Justice Department would release “several hundred thousand” pages of documents within the deadline, but he said the entire set would not be released at once and more batches were expected in the coming weeks. Blanche said the department needs additional time to protect the identities of victims and ensure names and identifying details are appropriately redacted.The newly released documents include a wide range of investigative material from nearly two decades of federal investigation into Epstein’s conduct and network. According to CBS News, these materials may include photographs, internal law enforcement communications, evidence manifests and other records related to various aspects of the Epstein investigation.
The Justice Department release contains many photos and some police records
The material released by the Trump administration includes numerous photos, including of unidentified women, as well as some police files. Many of the images are heavily blacked out and black boxes obscure the motifs. Other images appear to come from Epstein’s Manhattan home, including photos of his bedroom, risqué wall art and a stuffed tiger.Other files contain images of framed photos. Epstein is seen in some photos released by the Justice Department.In addition to Friday’s release from the Justice Department, lawmakers and committees have previously released thousands of pages of materials through subpoenas and voluntary disclosures. In September, the House Oversight Committee released tens of thousands of pages of files ranging from court records and flight logs to videos of Epstein’s jail cell before his death. The earlier revelations included previously available material as well as new context for Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures. No formal allegations were made against political leaders whose names appear in the records.The Epstein Files Transparency Act also requires the government to release, within 15 days of the documents’ release, a list of all politically exposed individuals and government officials named in the records, as well as explanations for any redactions or withheld portions.Despite the landmark release, the Justice Department is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers who say the department violated the law by failing to release all files within the legal deadline, which was 30 days after the president signed them.
