On December 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the discovery of over one million additional documents potentially related to Jeffrey Epstein, a deceased sex offender. This announcement has delayed the release of files that were mandated to be made public by December 19, 2023, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by former President Donald Trump in November 2022.

The DOJ stated that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI are currently reviewing these documents to ensure that legally required redactions are made to protect victims. However, the DOJ indicated that the process could take several more weeks due to the volume of material.

This delay has prompted bipartisan criticism from lawmakers. Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, accused the White House of a cover-up that protects Epstein's co-conspirators and those who abused women and girls. He called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify before Congress regarding the DOJ's handling of the files.

A group of twelve senators, including Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), has requested an audit of the DOJ's actions, asserting that the department has violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding documents and improperly redacting others. They expressed concerns about the DOJ's compliance with the law, which was designed to ensure transparency regarding Epstein's activities and those involved.

The DOJ has released two batches of documents since the deadline, but the slow pace of disclosure has led to frustration among lawmakers from both parties. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche informed Congress that the DOJ would continue to release files on a rolling basis, which contradicts the law's requirement for a full release by the specified date.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the DOJ's actions, suggesting that the delay indicates a cover-up. He has indicated plans to push for a Senate vote to sue the DOJ for full compliance with the law. Additionally, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have threatened to hold DOJ officials in contempt for failing to comply with the transparency requirements.

The latest batch of documents released by the DOJ includes references to Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. The DOJ has stated that some documents contain unverified claims against Trump that were submitted to the FBI prior to the 2020 election. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump suggested he might declassify some Epstein files but has also sought to keep many of them confidential. The Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed with broad bipartisan support, highlighting a collective demand for accountability and transparency regarding Epstein's network and the systemic issues surrounding it.