Full Breakdown
Rep. Ted Lieu’s Letters to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche
6/8/2026, 1:37:46 AM
Rep. Ted Lieu’s Letters to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche
On Saturday night Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) sent two letters to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after Blanche announced the DOJ would not release the remaining 2.5 million Epstein files, saying the agency had “moved on.” Lieu warned that only Congress and the public may decide on the files and suggested Blanche could face disbarment.
Epstein File Hold, Congressional Requirement, and Trump’s Preference
The DOJ holds a cache of 2.5 million documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Congressional law requires their release, a point Lieu cites. Todd Blanche, a former Trump appointee, has been named by President Donald Trump as a preferred candidate for the permanent attorney-general role. Blanche also faces a separate legal challenge over a $1.8 billion IRS settlement tied to Trump.
Principal Actors
Todd Blanche – Acting Attorney General, former Trump appointee, New York-licensed attorney.
Rep. Ted Lieu – Democratic U.S. Representative from California, House Judiciary Committee member.
Donald Trump – former President, expressed preference for Blanche as attorney general.
Thirty-five retired federal judges – filed a motion alleging fraud by Blanche in the IRS settlement.
Blanche’s Position and Lieu’s Rebuttal
Blanche said the DOJ had “moved on” from the remaining Epstein files and that his office was creating “roadblocks” that could hinder future Democratic attempts to hold Trump accountable. Lieu’s letters, addressed to Blanche, argued that only Congress and the electorate may determine the files’ release and questioned any obstruction.
Lieu’s Legal Challenge
Lieu’s correspondence frames the refusal to release the files as a breach of congressional law and warns that Blanche could be disbarred. Legal analysts note that the fraud motion, if upheld, could strip Blanche of his New York law license.
Unspecified Legal Details
The source does not specify the congressional statute governing the Epstein files nor detail the allegations in the judges’ motion; prior releases of Epstein documents are not described.
Direct Statements from Rep. Lieu
- “Dear Todd Blanche: You don't get to decide to 'move on' from the Epstein Files or from following the congressional law,” — Rep. Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative (California)
- “That decision can only be made by the American people and Congress. You will be disbarred. The files will eventually be released.” — Rep. Ted Lieu
- “November is coming.” — Rep. Ted Lieu
- “Dear Todd Blanche: So what illegal actions by Trump would compel you to think a future Administration would hold Trump accountable? Please do share.” — Rep. Ted Lieu
Future Legal and Political Developments
Lieu referenced November, indicating a future timeframe. The judges’ fraud motion may proceed through the courts, potentially affecting Blanche’s license. The DOJ’s stance on the remaining Epstein files remains unchanged pending further developments.
