‘Deeply disturbing’: House Democrats slam DOJ over lack of transparency in Epstein files

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Following the release of the Epstein files in the Department of Justice’s possession, several House Democrats have expressed dissatisfaction. The latest to do so is Representative Becca Balint of Vermont.

Balint appeared on 'The Weekend' on Sunday, December 21, 2025, to discuss the partial release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, criticizing the DOJ for what she described as a lack of “transparency.” Like Representative Ro Khanna, the co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Balint also addressed what House Democrats plan to do next regarding the DOJ’s non-compliance with the law.

Becca Balint calls redacted Epstein files a DOJ 'cover-up'

During her appearance on 'The Weekend,' Representative Becca Balint criticized the Department of Justice for being “anything but” transparent in its release of the Epstein files, calling the situation “deeply disturbing” given that transparency was a key element of the law. 

Referring to the redactions in the released material, Balint said there were “over 500 pages” that were “completely redacted,” along with missing files.

“This is not an Attorney General that can be trusted. It’s not a DOJ that ‘can be trusted to do right by these victims,’” Balint added.

Balint said she was with several Jeffrey Epstein survivors when the Transparency Act was voted on and noted that they wanted all information made public because they had been called “liars” in the past. She also said many other Democrats were describing the partial and heavily redacted release as a “cover-up.”

She added that she believed such concerns were “appropriate,” accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi of “lying” about the binders on her desk. “It’s deeply disturbing and upsetting,” Balint added.

Chuck Schumer, Ro Khanna blast DOJ over Epstein files release

Senator Chuck Schumer took to X to criticize the Department of Justice shortly after the first batch of Epstein-related documents was made public. Referencing a comment by Susie Wiles describing Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein as “young, single playboys together,” Schumer questioned what the Trump administration was trying to hide.

“This could be the biggest cover-ups in American history,” Schumer wrote.

Representative Ro Khanna has also repeatedly condemned the DOJ since Friday, both on X and in interviews. On Saturday, Khanna accused the department of “covering up for” wealthy and powerful clients of Jeffrey Epstein and of failing to protect Epstein’s survivors.