Epstein files released: US justice department releases heavily redacted Epstein files after legal deadline

What has been released

The documents were uploaded to a dedicated page on the justice department’s website shortly before the deadline. Heavy traffic initially overwhelmed the site, briefly placing users in an online queue.

One major section is labelled the “Epstein Files Transparency Act”, under which four large datasets containing thousands of documents have been released. Officials said more files could follow in the coming weeks.

The material includes court records, emails, photographs and investigative documents connected to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Famous names appear

Some of the documents that are viewable include images of Epstein socialising with well-known figures, including former US president Bill Clinton and entertainers such as Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger.

The Guardian reported that other photos released earlier by Congress also showed Epstein with figures including former British royal Prince Andrew, actor Kevin Spacey and comedian Chris Tucker.

Being named or pictured in the documents is not evidence of wrongdoing. Many of those mentioned in earlier releases have denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

Why the files were released now

The release follows the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the justice department to make public all unclassified material linked to Epstein’s investigation and prosecution.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.

The law also covers records related to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein abuse teenage girls and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

However, the legislation allows exceptions for material linked to ongoing investigations or information that could identify victims.

Trump under pressure

Donald Trump faced sustained pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to allow the files to be released.

As reported by the BBC, Trump had previously opposed making the documents public and dismissed scrutiny of his past links to Epstein as a political attack. He later reversed his position as Congress moved closer to passing the bill.

The White House said the release shows the administration’s commitment to transparency. A spokesperson said it proved the government had “done more for the victims than previous administrations”.

Trump has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
Redactions and unanswered questions

Experts have warned that the disclosure may still fall short of public expectations.

While the law requires the release of unclassified records, it does not guarantee full transparency. The justice department must now provide Congress with a summary of what was released, what was withheld and why, including a list of public figures named in the material.

As the Guardian noted, the documents may not offer a complete picture of Epstein’s network or crimes, leaving many questions unresolved despite the scale of the release.

(With inputs from agencies)