Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse hit out at the US Department of Justice after only a portion of investigative records were released. Lawyers said victims have been “repeatedly denied justice,” while officials promised that more documents would come in the coming weeks.
Partial Release Sparks Outrage
The documents came out under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which set a 19 December deadline. The law allows authorities to withhold records if they could harm investigations, threaten national security, or expose victims’ identities.
The Department of Justice released partial Epstein files, drawing criticism from survivors
Still, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department wasn’t releasing everything at once. “I expect that we’re going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks,” he told Fox News. Survivors and lawmakers immediately flagged the partial release, saying it didn’t meet the law’s intent.
Survivors’ Lawyers Call Out DOJ Delays
Attorneys representing survivors were quick to criticize the move. Spencer Kuvin called the delays “no great surprise” after years of inaction. He said victims have faced repeated stonewalling and dodged accountability for decades.
Gloria Allred, who represents more than 20 survivors, said the resistance raised serious questions. She added that survivors want to see if powerful figures helped Epstein or Maxwell, and the documents might finally reveal that.
Emotional Reactions from Survivors
Jess Michaels, who has long pushed for these disclosures, said she felt “highly emotional” as the files went public. She noted that the public can now see the delays, negligence, and corruption she has long complained about.
Epstein survivors express relief and sorrow as partial DOJ files are made public
Maria Farmer called the day “triumph and tragedy.” The documents confirmed she reported Epstein and Maxwell to the FBI back in 1996. Her attorney said this early report, ignored at the time, could have prevented thousands of victims from suffering.
Farmer’s Early Reports Confirmed
Farmer’s attorney highlighted records that verified her original complaint. They show she alerted authorities decades ago, and her warnings were largely ignored. Farmer said the release gave her personal validation, though sorrow remained for others affected.
In a statement, Farmer said, “Thank you for believing me. I feel redeemed. This is one of the best days of my life. But I’m devastated for all the other girls … harmed because the FBI didn’t do their job.”
Political Backdrop and Trump’s Role
President Donald Trump signed the disclosure legislation after initially resisting it. His administration had mostly released public documents previously and claimed no Epstein client list existed.
Trump appears rarely in the new materials. Mentions are limited to flight manifests and contact books already public. Most photos of him were previously released. Trump continues to deny any knowledge or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
What’s in the Files
The DOJ compiled the release into the “Full Epstein Library,” an online database with court records, transparency act disclosures, and searchable documents. Officials warned the site may still contain sensitive material despite redactions.
Initial reviews revealed extensive mentions of former President Bill Clinton. Several photos show Clinton with Epstein associates, including Maxwell, in private settings. The context and locations of these images were often unclear, leaving open questions.
More Files Under Review
Blanche said the department identified over 1,200 victims or their relatives. More files are under review to protect privacy, with additional releases planned in the coming weeks.
Investigative materials cover multiple inquiries: Palm Beach police in 2005, federal prosecutions in Florida ending with a 2008 plea deal, and Manhattan prosecutors in 2019, which ended when Epstein died. Each set shows decades of abuse and missed opportunities.
Public Reaction and Advocacy
Survivors and anti-trafficking groups stressed that transparency is vital. Lauren Hersh, national director of World Without Exploitation, said hundreds of thousands of files remain, and public access is crucial to hold perpetrators accountable.
Lawmakers warned that incomplete releases may block a full understanding of Epstein’s crimes. Critics said the ongoing disclosures will keep public attention on the scandal and pressure the DOJ to release the rest.
Notable Figures in the Files
Photos and documents mention many public figures, including Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and celebrities like Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Diana Ross. Many references have unclear context and relevance.
Trump’s mentions are limited. Most were previously public, including images with Epstein and Maxwell. White House officials dismissed these references as not newsworthy.
Also Read: Trump Unveils ‘Patriot Games’ as Part of Sweeping Plans for America’s 250th Anniversary
Next Steps for the DOJ
The Justice Department continues reviewing the remaining files. Blanche confirmed redaction and careful review are ongoing to protect victims. The department plans to notify Congress once the process is complete.
The released files mix old investigation records, photographs, and previously undisclosed documents. Media and analysts are now sifting through them to understand Epstein’s crimes, associations, and law enforcement lapses over the decades.
