Judge warns DOJ over Epstein files
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Judge Emmet Sullivan warned DOJ lawyers of penalties for noncompliance on Epstein files.
The public's right to know clashes with government secrecy in a high-stakes transparency fight.
Background
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress and signed into law last year, requires the Justice Department to release records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ released millions of pages in January, but with extensive redactions and some documents withheld, prompting a lawsuit by journalist Katie Phang. Judge Sullivan, overseeing the case, has grown frustrated with the DOJ's explanations and warned of contempt proceedings if they don't comply with his orders.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2026The Justice Department releases millions of pages of Epstein files, many with extensive redactions.
- Apr 2026Journalist Katie Phang files a lawsuit against Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging the DOJ failed to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Aug 11, 2026Judge Loretta Preska rules that the DOJ can release additional Epstein-related documents, rejecting Ghislaine Maxwell's objections.
- Aug 13, 2026Judge Emmet Sullivan warns DOJ lawyers of penalties and potential contempt if they don't comply with his orders, saying 'That's a promise.'
Who’s saying what
- Judge
- Judge Sullivan: 'The public demands a time-frame — not just me.'
- DOJ
- The Justice Department denies cover-up allegations and says it is complying with the law while protecting victims' identities.
- Accusers
- Some Epstein accusers allege the DOJ is covering up potential crimes by Epstein associates, accusations the department strongly denies.
Still unverified
The claim that the DOJ is covering up crimes by Epstein associates is an allegation from accusers and has been denied by the department.