U.S. Justice Department Defends Actions Amid Epstein File Controversy

The U.S. Justice Department is facing scrutiny over its handling of the Epstein files following the release of more than 13,000 documents related to the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

According to the New York Times, the initial release received criticism for being heavily redacted and providing few new revelations, with victims and advocates expressing disappointment. Lawmakers also criticized the department for not meeting a 30-day deadline imposed by Congress for the full release of these files.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on NBC News that the department is committed to transparency and will not redact mentions of Donald Trump within the documents. However, some photographs were temporarily removed from the online collection, raising concerns about whether the administration was trying to shield the former president from scrutiny.

Despite these issues, Blanche emphasized the complexity of the task at hand, noting that the department is working to comply with the law while protecting victims' identities and privacy. More documents are expected to be released in the coming weeks, as the Justice Department continues to face pressure from Congress and the public for accountability and transparency in this high-profile case.