Washington, D.C. — The Justice Department is defending its refusal to release more unredacted Jeffrey Epstein records, telling a federal judge it has already complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The filing came after U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered DOJ to either remove redactions from at least a dozen records or explain why the information should remain withheld. The disputed documents reportedly include email exchanges involving Epstein and references to a “torture video,” sexual activity with young women, and FBI interview notes connected to a woman who alleged she was abused by President Donald Trump as a minor.
DOJ lawyers said the department reviewed more than 6 million documents and argued that many redactions are legally required to protect victims’ identities, private information, and ongoing investigative interests. The department also said some handwritten FBI materials could not be safely released because of technical limits in removing personal victim information.
The lawsuit was filed by attorney and independent journalist Katie Phang, who argues DOJ has over-redacted records and violated the transparency law. DOJ offered to provide more information privately to the judge and asked for more time while considering an appeal.
The dispute keeps pressure on the Trump administration, which has faced bipartisan criticism over its handling of the Epstein files.
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