Massive Document Surge Extends Release Timeline The Justice Department announced that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI have turned over more than one million additional records tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, pushing the anticipated completion of the review out by several weeks[1][4]. Lawyers must examine each file for victim‑identifying information and other statutory redactions before any public disclosure, a task the agency describes as “labor‑intensive” given the sheer volume[3]. The department posted the update on X, emphasizing its commitment to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act while acknowledging the inevitable delay[3].

Congressional Pressure Prompts Audit Request Twelve senators—eleven Democrats and one Republican—sent a letter to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume demanding an independent audit of the release process, arguing that victims deserve full disclosure and accountability[1][2]. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the staggered, heavily redacted rollout a “blatant cover‑up,” intensifying calls for oversight[1]. The White House defended the DOJ’s handling, praising Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for following the administration’s transparency agenda[1][2].

Record‑Count Discrepancies Highlight Scope of Materials Deputy Attorney General Blanche told reporters that Manhattan prosecutors already possess more than 3.6 million records from the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell probes, though many are copies of material previously supplied by the FBI[2]. In contrast, the BBC noted that the initial tranche slated for release would consist of “several hundred thousand pages,” with additional batches to follow in the coming weeks[5]. This difference reflects the distinction between total records in the DOJ’s possession and the subset selected for immediate public disclosure.

Redaction Process Shields Victims and Sparks Criticism The DOJ’s redaction team is working “around the clock” to protect victims’ identities, a step required by both the transparency law and court orders[3]. Critics argue that extensive redactions effectively omit the names of high‑profile individuals, particularly former President Donald Trump, from the released pages[3]. New material disclosed includes never‑before‑seen photos of Bill Clinton with Epstein, flight logs showing Trump on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s, grand‑jury transcripts, and emails referencing Prince Andrew—details that have intensified public and legislative scrutiny[4][2]. To accelerate the workload, the DOJ has recruited volunteers from a South Florida prosecutor’s office to assist with redactions[4].