Justice Department to Release Epstein Investigation Files Within 30 Days, AG Bondi Announces

The U.S. Justice Department has committed to releasing its full files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced, following the passage of bipartisan legislation in Congress.

The move comes after near-unanimous votes in both the House and Senate forcing the Department to make public materials related to Epstein’s investigation.

The files are expected to include investigative documents, communications, and other records from the Department of Justice, the FBI, and U.S. attorneys’ offices probing Epstein’s activities across multiple jurisdictions.

Under the new law, only redactions to protect sex-trafficking victims or ongoing investigations are permitted; the gag order cannot be used to shield politically sensitive or reputation-damaging information.

Bondi emphasized the Department’s commitment to “maximum transparency” but acknowledged that some material may be withheld if its release could jeopardize ongoing probes. She also made clear that the identities of trafficking victims will be protected.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department has filed a motion asking a court to unseal grand jury transcripts in the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Those documents remain sealed, and any release would require judicial approval.

In its court filings, the DOJ noted the “extensive public interest” in exposing more of the Epstein investigation, while signaling it will redact sensitive personal identifying information.

Critics, however, are already raising questions. Some lawmakers argue that the first tranche of recently declassified material contained mostly previously leaked or publicly known documents.

Others warn that even with the 30-day rule, the release may not shed light on Epstein’s highest-profile relationships if parts remain classified or heavily redacted.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, the legislation behind the disclosure, was introduced in July 2025 by Representative Ro Khanna and passed the House via a discharge petition. The Senate approved it shortly after, and President Trump has said he will sign it into law.

Bondi also revealed that earlier this year, the Department released a “first phase” of declassified Epstein documents, including flight logs, contact books, and other evidence that had previously circulated via leaks. Though the initial batch drew criticism for being light on new revelations, it marked a major shift in the DOJ’s willingness to make Epstein-era materials public.

As the 30-day clock ticks, public and political pressure is mounting. Advocates for Epstein’s survivors hope this round of disclosures will finally expose the full breadth of Epstein’s network — while proponents of accountability demand that powerful figures tied to Epstein face scrutiny.

Sources: The Guardian, Reuters, CBS News, The Washington Post