DOJ hits back at Thomas Massie's claim, says no political figures redacted in Epstein files

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Justice responded on Friday, Dec 19, to online claims that politically connected individuals were protected or removed in its latest release of documents about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. They insisted that all references to prominent figures were fully disclosed.

In a statement posted on X by the official DOJ spokesperson account, @DOJSpox47, the department directly addressed allegations raised by Rep Thomas Massie, R-Ky, and other critics who questioned the scope and transparency of the document dump.

No redaction, full disclosure

“To set the record straight: No Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) were redacted from today’s released Epstein documents. All references to PEPs were disclosed in full. Do you not see Clinton’s face?” tweeted the DOJ account on X.

The comment referred to former President Bill Clinton. 

His name has appeared in records linked to Epstein. The DOJ responded as online speculation increased after the release. Online critics argued that heavy redactions hurt the goal of transparency and hinted at selective disclosure.

Rep Thomas Massie, R-Ky, highlighted the statutory language of the Epstein Files Transparency Act on X.

"Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit of the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago," Massie wrote.

Files made public under Epstein Files Transparency Act

The newly released files are now public because of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.  This law aims to improve public access to records related to Epstein’s network and criminal activities. 

Although the release contained hundreds of pages of documents, many social media users and commentators pointed out that significant sections were redacted, which reduced their usefulness.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on several charges. 

He has continued to draw public attention because of his wide connections to politicians, celebrities, academics, and business leaders. 

His case has sparked ongoing distrust in institutions and led to repeated demands for full disclosure of everyone linked to his activities.

Several lawmakers, including Massie and Rep Ro Khanna, D-Calif, have talked about consequences against the DOJ for not complying with the law, specifically for not providing explanations for redactions.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said he and Massie were "exploring all options," including potential contempt proceedings or other actions against DOJ officials.

"It is an incomplete release with too many redactions," Khanna said.