The US Justice Department has confirmed that hundreds of thousands of pages of material related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have not yet been released and are still undergoing legal review.
The update came as part of a Justice Department fact sheet issued alongside the initial tranche of Epstein-related documents, which officials said represents only a partial release of the total records in the government’s possession.
What the Justice Department Said
According to the DOJ, the remaining unreleased materials include:
- Photographs
- Court records
- Documents and communications
- Investigative files tied to Epstein
Officials said the pace of disclosure is being shaped by court-ordered redactions and legal obligations to protect victims, minors, and potential victims.
Why the Files Have Not Been Fully Released
Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, said the department could not meet the congressionally mandated deadline for full disclosure without risking harm to survivors of Epstein’s sexual abuse.
“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply to protect victims,” Blanche said in an interview.
He added that thousands of documents contain sensitive information and must be reviewed individually before they can be made public.
Scale of the Review Effort
The Justice Department said more than 200 lawyers are currently working around the clock to review the files. The process involves coordination between the DOJ and the Southern District of New York, where Epstein was prosecuted.
Court orders require:
- Removal of identifying details linked to victims and minors
- Redaction of privileged or protected material
Officials said these legal requirements have slowed the release process, but will not stop the documents from eventually becoming public.
Why Some Files Were Removed After Release
The department acknowledged that some documents posted online on Friday were temporarily taken down after individuals claiming to be victims—or their legal representatives—contacted officials.
Those materials, including photographs, are expected to be reposted after additional redactions, if legally required.
What Has Been Released So Far
Friday’s partial release included:
- Photographs
- Interview transcripts
- Call logs
- Court filings and records
However, some of the most anticipated materials—such as FBI interviews with survivors and internal DOJ memoranda explaining charging decisions—were not included. Blanche confirmed those records are still under review.
The DOJ also said it has recently identified additional potential victims, further complicating the review and reinforcing the need for caution.
What Happens Next
The department has not provided a specific timeline for releasing the remaining materials but said disclosures will continue in phases as files clear legal and judicial review.
Judges had previously been unwilling to unseal many of the records. That changed after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which gave the DOJ new legal authority to release them.
