DOJ releases first Epstein file batch; bipartisan senators cite violations of release law

The Department of Justice released its first batch of Epstein-related files on Dec. 19, 2025 — the 30-day statutory deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release drew immediate bipartisan condemnation. Rep. Thomas Massie stated the DOJ "broke the law by making illegal redactions," and Rep. Robert Garcia accused the White House of engaging "in a cover-up protecting Epstein's co-conspirators." The DOJ subsequently disclosed it had identified more than one million additional documents beyond its initial production. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) asked the DOJ Acting Inspector General to audit the department's compliance with the Act's redaction standards and timeline.