U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on “sensationalism” and “outright lies” he says are circulating amid the release of documents related to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, while noting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released what he says are “fake or false documents because they simply are in our possession.”
Newsweek reached out to a legal analyst for comment Tuesday night.
Why It Matters
The DOJ’s recent release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has reignited scrutiny over the handling of sexual abuse claims, transparency in government and potential political influence within the justice system.
The files have fueled debate over whether the public has received all the documents or if information has been withheld or misrepresented. U.S. lawmakers and survivor groups have called for complete disclosure, while DOJ leadership, including Blanche, is defending the agency’s actions.
What To Know
The DOJ has released thousands of pages over the past week, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This tranche included references or images of former President Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell and other public figures.
Even after the release, numerous pages remain under review and have not been published due to ongoing redaction efforts to protect victims’ identities and active investigations, according to DOJ officials.
Taking to X on Tuesday evening, Blanche said: “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 across party lines pledge to pursue further action to ensure that the government fulfills the full terms of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
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