3. April 2026
THE COVERUP CONTINUES: Trump's New AG Pick Says Epstein Files ‘Should Not Be a Part of Anything Going Forward’ at DOJ
WASHINGTON-- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is facing bipartisan criticism after suggesting the Justice Department should move past its handling of records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even as questions persist about whether all required documents have been released.
In an interview Thursday night on Fox News with host Jesse Watters, Blanche sought to distance himself from the controversy, saying the Epstein files “should not be a part of anything going forward.” His remarks came in response to questions about the department’s handling of the records and whether missteps had occurred.
Blanche defended former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was recently removed by President Donald Trump, insisting her dismissal was unrelated to the Epstein investigation. He also emphasized what he described as steps toward transparency taken by the department in recent weeks.
“The Epstein files has been a saga that’s lasted for the past year,” Blanche said. “When the president signed the Transparency Act, the Department of Justice released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga.” He added that both he and Bondi had voluntarily testified before Congress and offered lawmakers the opportunity to review unredacted materials at DOJ offices.
Despite those assertions, the department has not released the full universe of Epstein-related records. Officials previously said the files contained roughly 6 million pages, but only about half — approximately 3 million pages — have been made public. The DOJ has said it withheld duplicate materials and other records it deemed unnecessary for disclosure.
The incomplete release has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties, as well as journalists and advocates who argue the department has not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates broad public disclosure.
Some of the sharpest criticism has focused on allegations that records involving Trump were among those not initially released. That includes documents tied to a woman who told the FBI on multiple occasions that Trump abused her when she was a minor. After those concerns surfaced, the Justice Department acknowledged that some materials had been withheld in error and released additional documents. However, reporters reviewing the files said gaps remain, noting that page numbering suggests roughly 30 pages are still missing.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the department has yet to meet its legal obligations. The committee has been investigating the handling of the files.
“This is a lie,” Garcia wrote on the social platform X, referring to claims that the release was complete. “About 50% of the files have been released and, per our subpoena, it’s illegal to withhold them. Blanche may think it’s over, but we are just getting started.”
Republicans have also raised concerns. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky warned that failure to release the remaining records could carry legal consequences under the transparency law.
“Congratulations AG Blanche,” Massie wrote on X after Blanche’s appointment was announced. “Now you have 30 days to release the rest of the files before becoming criminally liable for failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”
The ongoing dispute underscores the political and legal sensitivity surrounding the Epstein case, which has continued to reverberate years after his death in federal custody in 2019. While Blanche has signaled a desire to move beyond the issue, pressure from Congress suggests the controversy is far from settled.