DDF calls for an expanded investigation after DOJ pulls then reposts more than 70 previously released Epstein files; More than 99% of records are still missing

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is quietly altering and re-redacting some previously released Jeffrey Epstein files while continuing to withhold the overwhelming majority of records mandated for public release under federal law, Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF) outlines in a complaint filed today with the DOJ Office of the Inspector General.

DDF has vigilantly reviewed the Epstein files released to date. On Jan. 15, DDF identified that more than 70 Epstein-related files previously released by DOJ had been secretly pulled and reposted with additional or modified redactions, and without any public notice, explanation, or audit trail. Our review uncovered these changes through a comprehensive comparison of all documents in the DOJ's Epstein Library.

“The law—signed by the president—requires the DOJ to do a very simple thing: release the Epstein files,” said Virginia Canter, director and chief counsel of ethics and anticorruption at DDF. “Instead, the DOJ is playing games, secretly pulling documents, and reposting them with new or changed redactions. Amid all that, the Department is still withholding more than 99 percent of the records the law requires to be released.”

President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) into law on Nov. 19. It requires the Department of Justice to release all non-exempt Epstein-related records and to publicly justify any redactions or withholdings through notice in the Federal Register. More than a month later, the Department has yet to fully comply.

“Last year, Congress passed—nearly unanimously—a law to hold the administration accountable and finally begin to bring justice to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein by mandating the release of the entire Epstein files. But Donald Trump and his Justice Department have stonewalled this effort at every turn,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “Now, the Democracy Defenders Fund has identified surreptitious redactions to dozens of files without any public notice or explanation. A complete, independent audit of the administration’s non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act is essential. It is clear that such an effort is not only prudent but necessary considering the lengths that the administration has gone to deny the American people transparency. As this continues, one cannot help but wonder what Trump is hiding by refusing to simply comply with the law. I support this effort and will continue to explore all possible avenues to ensure the law is being followed.”

The complaint, addressed to Acting Inspector General Berthiaume outlines how DOJ has failed to comply with EFTA:

• The DOJ has released less than 1 percent of all relevant Epstein records by the Department’s own count.

• The DOJ hasn’t published any justifications for redactions or withholdings in the Federal Register, as the law explicitly requires.

• The DOJ has surreptitiously modified documents already released, adding redactions without notice or explanation.

• The DOJ has provided no change history, audit trail, or transparency regarding altered files.

DDF’s complaint calls on the Office of Inspector General to immediately open a comprehensive audit of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files, including its redaction practices, document withdrawals, and failure to provide legally required public notice.

“The Epstein Files Transparency Act was meant to deliver long-overdue accountability to survivors and the public,” said Amb. Norm Eisen (ret), co-founder and executive chair of DDF. “The Trump–Bondi DOJ has failed to follow the law, and now it appears to be surreptitiously altering the miniscule files it released without explanation or public notice. That kind of secrecy only deepens mistrust and delays accountability. If the DOJ has a lawful reason for these actions, it should say so. If not, it should stop delaying the release of the files and comply with the law.”

You can read the complaint here

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.