U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche criticized what he called “sensationalism” and “outright lies” circulating online as documents continue to be released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is complying with the law’s disclosure requirements—even when that means producing material the agency believes may be “fake or false” simply because it exists within DOJ custody.
Why It Matters
The DOJ’s release of files tied to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has renewed public attention on how sexual abuse allegations were handled, what transparency obligations the government owes, and whether political considerations have influenced decisions within the justice system.
The disclosures have also fueled disagreement over whether the public has received the full set of documents—or whether key material has been withheld, delayed, or presented without adequate context. Lawmakers and survivor groups have called for fuller disclosure, while DOJ leadership, including Blanche, has defended the agency’s approach.
What To Know
Over the past week, the DOJ has released thousands of pages, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The newly released materials included references or images involving former President Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell, and other public figures.
DOJ officials say additional pages remain under review and have not been made public because redactions are still being completed to protect victims’ identities and to avoid compromising active investigations.
In a post on X Tuesday evening, Blanche wrote: “There has been lots of sensationalism and even outright lies these past few days about the ‘Epstein Files.’ But let’s separate fact from fiction. Document production is just that. We produce documents, and sometimes this can result in releasing fake or false documents because they simply are in our possession because the law requires this. Case in point: the so-called Epstein Nassar letter is clearly FAKE – wrong handwriting, wrong return address, and postmarked three days after Epstein died. Fake videos of Epstein in his cell. Photos with no explanation. Sensational tales and lies by random people. These are not reality. We will continue to produce every document required by law. Let’s not let internet rumor engines outrun the facts.”
What People Are Saying
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, on X Monday: “Trump is blaming me for a bill he eventually signed, while defending his banker friends, Bill Clinton, and ‘innocent’ visitors to rape island. Meanwhile Bondi is working fervently to redact, omit, and delete Epstein files she is legally required to release under our bill.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, on X Sunday: “The Department of Justice previously stated we will bring charges against anyone involved in the trafficking and exploitation of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. We reaffirm this commitment, and ask any victim to please come forward with any information pertaining to any individuals who engaged in illicit activity at their expense. We have met with many victims and victims groups, and will continue to do so if more reach out. Please contact myself, DAG Blanche, or the FBI and we will investigate immediately. We believe in the equal standard of justice in this country and will ensure that Justice is served.”
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, on X Monday: “We hear there will be another DOJ Epstein release this afternoon. Here is what @RepThomasMassie, survivors and I want. 1) The FBI witness interviews which names other men 2) The Epstein emails seized from his computer 3) The 60 count draft indictment 4) The 82 page prosecution memo The DOJ must stop protecting rich & powerful men who were not charged or those who sabotaged the prosecution.”
What Happens Next
Lawmakers from both parties say they intend to keep pressing for further action to ensure the government fully complies with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and releases all materials required under the law.
