'Epstein Files Act' co-author warns DOJ of legal consequences if records aren’t released soon

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Ro Khanna, one of the sponsors of the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act', said that he was cautiously optimistic the Justice Department will comply with the law requiring the public release of investigative files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein by Friday, December 19.

The law, signed last month by President Donald Trump, mandates that the Justice Department make the files public no later than December 19.

“The law calls for the release, publicly, of these files,” Khanna told NBC News, adding that he is giving DOJ the “benefit of the doubt” until the deadline arrives.

Ro Khanna claims there is no clarity from the Justice Department

Ro Khanna said that the Justice Department has not responded to requests for clarity on how or when the materials will be released.

Still, he pointed to DOJ’s successful effort to unseal grand jury records in the Epstein case as a sign the department may be attempting to comply. “Until the 19th, let’s give some benefit of the doubt,” Khanna said. “And then we’ll see.”

Documents could expose Jeffrey Epstein’s influence 

Khanna said he believes the documents will expose how Epstein leveraged power and influence to silence people.

“In certain cases, powerful men said they had control over the local police in New York or had contacts with the FBI,” Khanna claimed, adding that survivors were allegedly discouraged from reporting because “it would not go anywhere.”

He also said that the files could shed light on activities at Epstein’s private Caribbean island. “It needs to come out who the other powerful men were on Epstein’s island,” Khanna said. 

The Justice Department has previously been accused of slow-walking disclosures related to Epstein. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the DOJ for its complete Epstein file by August 19.

After requesting more time, the department eventually turned over more than 33,000 pages, which became public in early September.

House Republicans labeled the release the “first batch,” but no additional documents have been produced since, and many of the pages were already publicly available.

Ro Khanna warns that failure to comply will invite legal steps

Khanna warned that failure to meet the December 19 deadline would put Justice Department officials in violation of federal law.

“Justice Department officials would be breaking the law,” he said. While prosecutions during the current administration are unlikely, Khanna said officials could face legal exposure in a future administration, as the statute of limitations would extend beyond the current term.

He added that DOJ officials could also be subpoenaed by Congress and face federal lawsuits over any failure to act.

The 'Epstein Files Transparency Act' requires the attorney general to release all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, in a searchable, downloadable format.

That includes information on individuals, “including government officials,” and entities tied to Epstein’s activities, plea agreements or t******king and financial networks, as well as any immunity deals.