WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to release just a fraction of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.
Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its lawful obligations. However, he stressed the need for caution in making public thousands of sensitive documents. The limited release has attracted considerable criticism from Democrats, who allege that the Republican administration aims to hide information.
Blanche described the pushback as disingenuous, noting that the Trump administration faces increased demands for transparency concerning investigations linked to Epstein, who had connections with various political and business figures including Trump.
Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press”, “The reason we are still reviewing documents is to protect victims. The same individuals complaining about the lack of documents are also advocating for victim protection.”
While the release included photographs, transcripts, and other records, significant documents, such as interviews with survivors and critical internal memos, were notably absent. These records could shed light on how the case was handled, particularly in 2008 when Epstein was allowed to plead to a minor charge.
Trump, previously friends with Epstein, sought to keep records sealed. Although not accused of wrongdoing in the Epstein case, he has maintained that the public should focus on other issues.
Federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking in 2019, but he ended his life in jail following his arrest. In the political arena, Democratic lawmakers have alleged that the partial release of documents facilitates a cover-up rather than serving the interests of Epstein's victims. Key voices like Rep. Jamie Raskin likened the actions of the Justice Department to obstructing transparency for political motives.
Blanche defended the department’s decision to retract specific files, including photographs relating to Trump, due to the exposure of potential victims. He affirmed these documents would be reposted once appropriately redacted for safety.
The records released provide an extensive view into nearly two decades of government scrutiny surrounding Epstein, yet the ongoing demands for more transparency continue as some of the materials had previously been public. Blanche revealed that more potential victim names have been identified during the review process.
Democratic leaders are now calling for a thorough investigation into the government's handling of the document release, while some threaten impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly failing to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Blanche dismissed these impeachment discussions, asserting that the Justice Department is compliant with the statute.
Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its lawful obligations. However, he stressed the need for caution in making public thousands of sensitive documents. The limited release has attracted considerable criticism from Democrats, who allege that the Republican administration aims to hide information.
Blanche described the pushback as disingenuous, noting that the Trump administration faces increased demands for transparency concerning investigations linked to Epstein, who had connections with various political and business figures including Trump.
Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press”, “The reason we are still reviewing documents is to protect victims. The same individuals complaining about the lack of documents are also advocating for victim protection.”
While the release included photographs, transcripts, and other records, significant documents, such as interviews with survivors and critical internal memos, were notably absent. These records could shed light on how the case was handled, particularly in 2008 when Epstein was allowed to plead to a minor charge.
Trump, previously friends with Epstein, sought to keep records sealed. Although not accused of wrongdoing in the Epstein case, he has maintained that the public should focus on other issues.
Federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking in 2019, but he ended his life in jail following his arrest. In the political arena, Democratic lawmakers have alleged that the partial release of documents facilitates a cover-up rather than serving the interests of Epstein's victims. Key voices like Rep. Jamie Raskin likened the actions of the Justice Department to obstructing transparency for political motives.
Blanche defended the department’s decision to retract specific files, including photographs relating to Trump, due to the exposure of potential victims. He affirmed these documents would be reposted once appropriately redacted for safety.
The records released provide an extensive view into nearly two decades of government scrutiny surrounding Epstein, yet the ongoing demands for more transparency continue as some of the materials had previously been public. Blanche revealed that more potential victim names have been identified during the review process.
Democratic leaders are now calling for a thorough investigation into the government's handling of the document release, while some threaten impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly failing to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Blanche dismissed these impeachment discussions, asserting that the Justice Department is compliant with the statute.
