Washington, D.C. – January 31, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday began the release of over three million pages of documents, along with approximately 180,000 images and 2,000 videos, from the long-sealed files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosure has intensified public and political interest in Epstein's extensive network of high-profile associates, including former presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as other influential figures in business, entertainment, and academia.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, addressing reporters at a press conference in Washington, emphasized the independence of the review process. "The White House played no role in the review of the extensive files related to the convicted sex offender, a former friend of Trump," Blanche stated. He categorically denied any external interference, saying, “They did not tell this department how to do our review, what to look for, what to redact, what to not redact.”
Blanche, who previously served as personal counsel to President Trump during his legal battles, rejected accusations that the department had shielded embarrassing details about the 79-year-old president. “We did not protect President Trump,” he asserted. “We didn’t protect or not protect anybody.” The Justice Department noted that some documents include “untrue and sensationalist claims” about Trump that were submitted to the FBI prior to the 2020 election, but officials maintained that redactions were applied consistently and not for political reasons.
Among the redaction policies outlined, Blanche explained that all images depicting girls and women have been obscured, with the exception of those involving Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking minors and is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison. This measure aims to protect victims' privacy while allowing for transparency in the case.
However, the release has drawn sharp criticism from Epstein's survivors. In a joint statement signed by 19 individuals—some using aliases or initials to maintain anonymity—the group expressed outrage, claiming that their identifying information remains exposed in the files. “While the men who abused us remain hidden and protected,” the statement read, demanding “the full release of the Epstein files” without further redactions. The survivors called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the issue directly during her upcoming congressional testimony next month.
Epstein, a wealthy financier and registered sex offender, died in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging, though it has fueled numerous conspiracy theories due to the high-profile nature of his connections and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Prior releases of Epstein-related documents, including those unsealed in 2024 as part of civil litigation against Maxwell and others, have previously illuminated his associations with prominent individuals. These include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, and political figures like Trump and Clinton. Epstein's Palm Beach mansion and private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands were infamous venues for gatherings that allegedly involved underage girls procured for sexual exploitation.
Among the newly released materials are emails and drafts that shed light on Epstein's interactions. One draft email from Epstein alleges that Gates engaged in extramarital affairs, a claim swiftly denied by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In a statement to The New York Times, the foundation described the assertions as “absolutely absurd and completely false,” attributing them to “a proven, disgruntled liar.”
Other documents connect Hollywood producer Steve Tisch—known for films such as “Forrest Gump” and “Risky Business,” and co-owner of the NFL's New York Giants—to multiple women through Epstein's network. Tisch, 76, has not yet publicly responded to the revelations, but representatives for similar figures in past releases have often dismissed such associations as superficial or misrepresented.
The Epstein case has long been a flashpoint in American politics, particularly given Trump's past friendship with the financier. Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein socially in the 1990s and early 2000s but has distanced himself, stating in 2019 that he had not spoken to Epstein in over a decade and banned him from his Mar-a-Lago resort after learning of his behavior. Clinton, who flew on Epstein's private jet multiple times, has similarly denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
The Justice Department's decision to release this tranche follows years of legal battles and public pressure from victims' advocates, journalists, and lawmakers. The files stem from various sources, including FBI investigations, civil lawsuits, and Epstein's own records seized during raids on his properties. Officials estimate the full release process could take several weeks, with documents being uploaded progressively to a public DOJ portal for transparency.
Survivors' groups, including those represented by attorneys like Gloria Allred and Lisa Bloom, have hailed the release as a step forward but criticized the redactions as insufficient. “True justice requires unmasking all perpetrators, not just the convenient ones,” said one anonymous signatory in the survivors' letter.
Attorney General Bondi, a Trump appointee who assumed office in early 2025, has not yet commented directly on the release but is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee in February to discuss DOJ priorities, including ongoing investigations into human trafficking networks.
As the documents continue to be scrutinized, experts anticipate further revelations that could impact reputations and potentially lead to new legal actions. The release underscores ongoing debates about accountability for powerful individuals and the protection of victims in high-profile abuse cases.
The Justice Department has encouraged the public to access the files responsibly, warning against the spread of misinformation. For verified updates, officials directed inquiries to the official DOJ website.
