Lawmakers Demand Accountability After Epstein Files Redaction Controversy

Wed Feb 11 2026 01:13:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. lawmakers express outrage over improper redactions in Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department, sparking calls for transparency and compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Members of Congress have criticized the Department of Justice for improperly redacting documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, alleging violations of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. As issues of transparency are raised, lawmakers are calling for accountability and a thorough review of the release process. The justice department acknowledged mistakes but insists on their commitment to transparency.

US lawmakers say files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were improperly redacted ahead of their release by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Members of Congress on Monday were allowed to begin a review of the unredacted versions of the approximately three million pages of files released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) since December.

The core issue is that they're not complying with... my law, because these were scrubbed back in March by Donald Trump's FBI, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna told MS NOW.

At least one document has been unredacted since the lawmakers' complaint, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche saying on X: The DOJ is committed to transparency.

The files' redactions came under scrutiny last week after lawyers for Epstein's victims said the latest tranche of files included email addresses and nude photos in which the names and faces of potential victims could be identified.

Survivors issued a statement calling the disclosure outrageous and said they should not be named, scrutinized and retraumatized.

The DOJ said it had taken down all the flagged files and that mistakes were due to technical or human error.

After viewing the unredacted documents, members Khanna and Representative Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the law which compelled the release of the Epstein files last year, noted a list of around 20 names, all redacted except for Epstein's and Ghislaine Maxwell's.

Six names could potentially indicate individuals involved, Massie claimed outside the DOJ on Monday night, before demanding an explanation online following the revelation.

Khanna reinforced the notion that the readacted names were inappropriately classified, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny of the legal compliance surrounding these documents.

Blanche assured the public that recent unredactions were a reflection of the DOJ's commitment to adhering to legal expectations.

Massie and Khanna criticized their limited access to the files, expressing concerns that it amounts to a serious cover-up. They need to unscrub the FBI files so we know who the rich and powerful men are who raped underage girls, Khanna stated.

This ongoing issue highlights a broader concern regarding the handling of sensitive information surrounding the Epstein case and calls for further transparency from the Department of Justice.