US Justice Department Reports Progress on Epstein Files as Political Battles Intensify
20 January 2026 – The United States Justice Department has informed federal judges it is making “substantial progress” reviewing millions of pages related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even as political tensions escalate over congressional subpoenas and survivors raise concerns about the handling of sensitive documents.
DOJ Review Progress and Scale
In a letter submitted to federal judges on 16 January 2026, Justice Department officials stated that “over five hundred” federal prosecutors and staff members from the Southern District of New York and the department’s criminal division are reviewing and redacting documents from investigations into Epstein and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. The department faces ongoing scrutiny after missing a 19 December 2025 deadline to release all remaining Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in November 2025.
The review has identified “substantial” duplication in various files, with the estimated number of documents described as “in flux.” Officials noted that platform operations require “around-the-clock attention and technical assistance” due to the sheer volume of materials. The department is working with victims and their attorneys to redact identifying information, even in cases where that information was previously public.
Political Confrontation Over Subpoenas
The House Oversight Committee is moving to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas related to the Epstein investigation. The Clintons have refused to testify, calling the subpoenas “legally invalid” and accusing Committee Chairman James Comer of “lying with impunity” about their connections to Epstein.
Representative Comer announced contempt proceedings against Bill Clinton on 13 January 2026 after the former president failed to appear for a subpoenaed deposition. The committee had negotiated with the Clintons’ attorneys for five months before the refusal to comply. Comer stated that Hillary Clinton could offer information on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in the sex trafficking scheme.
Survivors Raise Concerns About Document Handling
On 14 January 2026, nineteen survivors of Epstein’s abuse submitted a formal request to Acting Inspector General Don R. Berthiaume, urging an investigation into what they describe as major lapses in the Justice Department’s release of records. The survivors allege that the department’s approach “reflects serious failures in redaction practices, survivor protection, and oversight,” failures they say have “caused renewed harm to survivors and eroded trust in the institutions meant to protect them.”
The survivors warn that some redactions were so poorly executed they could be reversed using basic technical methods, potentially exposing identifying details. They note that names of alleged abusers and enablers appear to have been redacted while details identifying survivors were sometimes left visible.
New Investigations into Epstein’s Methods
House Judiciary Committee Democrats have revealed new evidence that Epstein used relationships with elite universities to lure victims. Representative Jamie Raskin sent letters to the presidents of New York University and Columbia University on 14 January 2026 after survivors provided information that Epstein promised to arrange admission into college for several victims, some of them minors at the time, and later paid their tuition.
Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee has expanded its investigation to include the Bank of New York Mellon, alleging the institution allowed Epstein to move nearly US$400 million through 270 wire transfers over years without proper reporting. Senator Ron Wyden announced the investigation, stating it shifts the narrative “from a story about perversion to a story about systemic financial corruption.”
Key Facts and Timeline
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 19 November 2025 | Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law by President Trump |
| 19 December 2025 | DOJ deadline to release all remaining Epstein files (missed) |
| 13 January 2026 | Bill Clinton fails to appear for subpoenaed deposition |
| 14 January 2026 | Survivors request inspector general investigation into file handling |
| 14 January 2026 | House Democrats reveal Epstein’s university connections |
| 15 January 2026 | Senate expands investigation to Bank of New York Mellon |
| 16 January 2026 | DOJ reports “substantial progress” in file review |
Legal and Political Context
The Justice Department has opposed the appointment of a special monitor to oversee the release of Epstein documents, arguing in a 17 January 2026 court filing that lawmakers have no right to participate in the case. The department maintains it has engaged 400 lawyers to expedite the review of 5.2 million pages of records and expects to complete the review by the end of January.
Meanwhile, bipartisan frustration with the pace of disclosures continues. Representatives Ro Khanna (Democrat) and Thomas Massie (Republican) have accused the department of deliberately delaying the process and have petitioned the court to intervene. U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer has ordered the DOJ to respond to accusations that it is intentionally slow-rolling the release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Epstein file releases?
The Justice Department has released less than one percent of the estimated 5.2 million pages of Epstein-related documents it is required to make public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Officials report making “substantial progress” with over 500 personnel reviewing materials, but no timeline has been provided for complete release.
Why are the Clintons facing contempt proceedings?
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have refused to comply with congressional subpoenas to testify before the House Oversight Committee about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. They have called the subpoenas “legally invalid,” leading the committee to initiate contempt of Congress proceedings.
What concerns have survivors raised about the document releases?
Survivors have filed a formal complaint alleging that the Justice Department’s redaction process has failed to adequately protect victim identities while sometimes redacting names of alleged abusers. They also warn that some redactions can be technically reversed, potentially exposing sensitive information.
How did Epstein use universities in his scheme?
According to new evidence provided to Congress, Epstein promised to arrange college admissions for several victims, including minors, and paid their tuition at institutions including New York University and Columbia University. This allegedly helped him lure and maintain control over young women.