The U.S. Department of Justice announced on December 24, 2023, that it may require “a few more weeks” to complete the release of all records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This delay arises from the recent discovery of over a million potentially relevant documents, further postponing compliance with a congressionally mandated deadline established last week.
The announcement coincided with growing scrutiny from lawmakers. A group of twelve U.S. senators, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York, addressed a letter to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume, urging an independent investigation into the Justice Department’s failure to meet the deadline. In their correspondence, the bipartisan group emphasized that victims “deserve full disclosure” and the “peace of mind” that comes from an independent audit of the situation.
In response to the announcement, Schumer criticized the timing and nature of the release, describing it as a “Christmas Eve news dump.” He suggested that the delay supports his claim of a “massive coverup” involving the Trump administration.
The White House defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein records. Officials praised Attorney General Pam Bondi and her team for their work, standing by the integrity of the process. During a briefing, a White House spokesperson reiterated confidence in the Justice Department’s efforts and expressed support for President Donald Trump‘s cabinet.
In related news, a federal judge issued a ruling on the same day, blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke the security clearance of prominent attorney Mark Zaid. The court found that the March presidential memorandum, which also targeted 14 other individuals, could not be applied to Zaid.
As the Justice Department works to fulfill its obligations regarding the Epstein files, the political landscape continues to evolve. The ongoing scrutiny reflects the significant public interest in the Epstein case and its implications for justice and accountability in high-profile cases.
