Exact date US Justice Department will release Epstein files by as bill signed into law
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, Sex Trafficking, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew
Phoebe Tonks
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: Jeffrey Epstein, Sex Trafficking, Donald Trump, Prince Andrew
The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed it will release all the files in its possession relating to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the news on Wednesday, just 24 hours after both houses of Congress had voted to release the documents which relate to a criminal investigation into the late sex offender.
It is hoped that by releasing the documents, the material could shed more light on Epstein’s activities and associates, before his 2008 conviction on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Epstein ran in various high-profile circles and socialised with numerous stars and officials, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and the former Prince Andrew.
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The scandal has been a perpetual headache for Trump since his election to a second term in the White House, with many Trump voters believing that his administration could have had a hand in covering up Epstein’s ties to powerful figures, as well as potentially having played a role in his death.
Epstein died in jail while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges back in 2019, with his death ultimately ruled a suicide.
Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, Bondi confirmed that the Justice Department would release its Epstein-related material within 30 days, a timeline that formed a key component of the legislation that passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Senate on Tuesday.
This means that the latest the documents could potentially be released is December 19.
"We will continue to follow the law and encourage maximum transparency," she said.
While the release is expected to be substantial, it may not provide the answers many are hoping for, with large portions of the information set to be redacted.
The names of victims will be removed to protect their privacy, and anything pertaining to an active investigation will also be removed to avoid prejudicing any findings.
Last week, Trump himself ordered an investigation into several high-profile Democrats who he claims have links to Epstein. These names could potentially be removed to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.