Washington, D.C. — The Justice Department released thousands of pages of long-awaited records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but more than 550 pages were fully redacted, prompting criticism from lawmakers across party lines and renewed scrutiny of the department’s transparency.
An analysis by CBS News found that several large document sets were entirely blacked out, including a 119-page file labeled “Grand Jury–NY” and three consecutive documents totaling 255 pages. Other records were partially redacted, obscuring names of survivors and sensitive details, while still revealing photos, investigative summaries, and materials from Epstein’s residences. Some images included well-known figures in Epstein’s orbit, though faces were partially obscured in certain cases.
The disclosures were mandated under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress last month, which requires the DOJ to release records while allowing limited redactions to protect victims, exclude graphic material, or avoid jeopardizing active investigations. The law also prohibits withholding information due to political sensitivity or reputational harm.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said more than 200 DOJ attorneys reviewed the files and that additional documents will be released on a rolling basis. He cited heightened review standards for grand jury materials, including judicial requirements to certify that no victim information is disclosed.
Critics, including Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, argue the release fails to meet the law’s intent, warning that excessive redactions undermine accountability. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed those concerns, calling the disclosure inconsistent with meaningful transparency.
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