Full Breakdown
Todd Blanche Sued Over Failure to Release Epstein Files
4/28/2026, 12:58:55 AM
Lawsuit Over Epstein Files Act
On Monday, a Washington, D.C., court received a lawsuit from lawyer and political commentator Katie Phang against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging the Justice Department failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires release of all Epstein-related documents with limited redactions within 30 days.
Background
Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November, setting a 30-day deadline. The Justice Department missed the December deadline and has not released the full file set or fully explained redactions. The law seeks to protect victims while preventing concealment of alleged co-conspirators.
Key Figures
Key figures are Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, former criminal attorney for former President Donald Trump; lawyer and commentator Katie Phang, who filed the suit; and Acting Inspector General William Blier, who will oversee the compliance audit.
Document Review
The department reviewed six million pages, releasing about 3.5 million and withholding about 2.5 million. A six-page letter listed categories of records withheld and reasons for redactions.
Official Statements
The department asserted that “everything” has been released and no additional documents remain undisclosed, and announced that the Office of the Inspector General will audit its processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records as required by the Act. Acting Inspector General William Blier said the audit will evaluate processes.
Criticism
Legal analysts and journalists have called the Justice Department’s handling a “massive cover-up” to shield President Trump, who appears extensively in the files. Phang’s suit seeks a court-appointed special master to enforce compliance and remove unlawful redactions. Critics argue the department’s redaction practices exceed the Act’s victim-protection focus and hinder accountability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Blanche’s claim of full disclosure conflicts with only about 58 % of the reviewed material—3.5 million of six million pages—released. The lawsuit also points to a lack of detailed justification for many redactions, a gap the Justice Department has not yet addressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This case is about Defendant Todd Blanche’s brazen, shocking, and ongoing violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” — Katie Phang, lawyer
- “We have released everything,” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
- “We reviewed six million pieces of paper. What we released, anything associated with the Epstein files, so we are not sitting on a single piece of paper. Nothing that should be released.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
- “evaluate the DOJ’s processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records in its possession as required by the Act.” — William Blier, Acting Inspector General
What's Next
A court may appoint a special master to oversee the release of remaining documents and assess redaction legality. Inspector General’s audit is slated to begin soon, prompting judicial or congressional action if non-compliance is confirmed.
