What happens if the Justice Department doesn't meet its deadline to release the Epstein files today

On November 19, Donald Trump gave the US Justice Department a 30-day deadline to release all files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. With that 30-day mark arriving today, December 19, will the Justice Department deliver?

When he first signed the legislation, Trump predicted the release of the files may reveal 'the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein'.

"I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES," he wrote in a post on Truth Social, adding: "This latest Hoax will backfire on the Democrats just as all of the rest have!"

In the 30 days that have passed since then, the House Oversight Committee has continued to put pressure on the Justice Department by releasing photos from Epstein's estate, some of which include Trump himself.

The most recent collection of photos arrived on December 18, just one day before the deadline, and featured famous faces including Bill Gates, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and illusionist David Blaine.

Their appearances in the photos does not imply any wrongdoing.

Bill Gates was pictured with a woman who had her identity redacted (House Oversight Committee)

Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Justice Department would adhere to the deadline, adding: "We will continue to follow the law and encourage maximum transparency."

With deadline day having now arrived, Bondi has until 11:59pm to release the Department of Justice records. The law states that the documents must be released in a 'searchable and downloadable format', though it's unclear exactly how the files will appear.

What happens if the Justice Department doesn't release the files?

Rep. Ro Khanna, one of the sponsors of the law which requires the release of the documents, told NBC News that the Justice Department would officially be 'breaking the law' if the information is not made public by the end of the day.

Khanna admitted that the department would likely not face charges during the current administration, however, 'they could be subject to prosecution given the federal law, and the statute of limitations will likely run into a new administration'.

Khanna also warned Bondi on December 18 that he would move to impeach her if she didn't follow the law, saying: "Here is the reality: any justice department official who does not comply with this law will be subject to prosecution for obstruction of justice.

"If Pam Bondi does not comply with the law she will be held either in inherent contempt of congress or subject to impeachment. We will not rest until the law is complied with and justice is served."

Pam Bondi has said the Justice Department will comply (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

What information is included in the Epstein files?

The FBI and the Justice Department have previously said that there is more than 300 gigabytes of data and physical evidence making up the Epstein files - meaning the information drop would be a big one.

However, officials are permitted to withhold any records which may identify victims, including images of child sexual abuse, or documents that have been deemed classified.

The Justice Department may also withhold records that could prejudice a federal investigation.