Jasmine Crockett slams DOJ for censoring parts of Epstein files, says 'no transparency'

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Jasmine Crockett has sharply criticized the Justice Department’s latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, accusing it of passing off heavily redacted records as transparency. Highlighting the backed-out parts of the texts, Crockett questioned whether releasing hundreds of such pages counts as compliance with the law.

Jasmine Crockett questions transparency in releasing Epstein files

Sharing the pictures of the newly released documents on X, Crockett highlighted the blackened-out parts of the pages. 

The pictures were accompanied by a caption, 'Did Trump’s DOJ really think dropping hundreds of blacked-out pages counted as complying with the law?' 

“I know it’s a bunch of unqualified folks with no backbone over there, but this is next-level.” 

“They ignored a lawful subpoena, recycled public records, and conveniently left out Donald Trump. This is not transparency.”

DOJ faces bipartisan pressure over redacted documents

The release of heavily redacted documents drew heavy criticism from congressional Democrats and Rep Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has been a leading voice in pushing Pam Bondi and the DOJ to release all documents and materials related to Epstein.

Massie and several other lawmakers, including Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA), have threatened consequences against the DOJ for not complying with the law, especially for not providing explanations for redactions.

The department pushed back against claims that it would miss the statutory deadline to release the files, saying that it was meeting the 'initial deadline' while continuing to review materials to protect survivors.

In a statement posted on X by its public affairs office, the department rejected reporting suggesting delays, arguing that the Trump administration was delivering unprecedented transparency compared to previous administrations.

“The DOJ is releasing a massive tranche of new documents that the Biden and Obama administrations refused to release,” the statement said.

“The story here: the Trump administration is providing levels of transparency that prior administrations never even contemplated.”

Thousands of Epstein documents made public

The Justice Department's release included thousands of documents tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, marking one of the most extensive disclosures related to the case so far.

The documents were published ahead of a statutory deadline set by Congress and include a sprawling digital archive of court filings, correspondence, and photographs.

Some of the images had not previously been made public and were partially redacted.

According to the Justice Department, several images were described as graphic in nature, though no additional context was provided about when or where the photos were taken.

The newly released photographs showed Epstein and Maxwell socializing with high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton and pop star Michael Jackson.

Officials did not clarify the circumstances surrounding those interactions.