Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

DOJ Discloses Less Than 1% of Epstein Files, Frustrates Lawmakers

1/24/2026

30 7

Summary

Story summary

More than a month after Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline, the Department of Justice has disclosed less than 1% of Epstein-related documents.
Survivors and lawmakers, Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, have expressed frustration with transparency.
A federal judge ruled he lacks jurisdiction to appoint an independent monitor for the DOJ.
The ruling also acknowledged concerns about the department's handling of the files.

History

Historical Context

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress in November 2025, aimed to mandate the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities. However, by December 2025, the Department of Justice disclosed less than 1% of the files, echoing historical struggles for accountability seen during the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, where government secrecy sparked public outrage and demands for transparency.

1 of 2

Story summary

More than a month after Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline, the Department of Justice has disclosed less than 1% of Epstein-related documents.
Survivors and lawmakers, Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, have expressed frustration with transparency.
A federal judge ruled he lacks jurisdiction to appoint an independent monitor for the DOJ.
The ruling also acknowledged concerns about the department's handling of the files.

1 / 2