The Justice Department has requested a delay in the release of additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein, citing the need to protect victims. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a motion stating that the court should not compel further action from the department. He requested a stay of sixty days to consider an appeal or a minimum of seven days for an emergency review. Blanche emphasized the importance of safeguarding victims, law enforcement personnel, and the department's resources.
In November, President Trump signed a law mandating the release of investigative files concerning Epstein's crimes. This decision followed increasing scrutiny regarding Trump's past relationship with Epstein and was influenced by bipartisan pressure from Congress and the Senate. To date, the Justice Department has released approximately half of the documents in its possession, which has drawn criticism for the handling of redactions that some argue protect Epstein's alleged accomplices rather than the victims.
Katie Phang, a lawyer and former journalist, filed a lawsuit against the DOJ in April, claiming that the department violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding documents and excessively redacting those released. District Judge Emmet Sullivan is overseeing the case and has ordered Blanche to either produce the unredacted materials requested by Phang or provide a detailed explanation for withholding them.