Ro Khanna warns DOJ against tampering ahead of Epstein records release deadline

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Ro Khanna (D-Calif), a Democratic co-sponsor of the 'Epstein Files Transparency Act', issued a blunt warning to the Justice Department, cautioning that any “tampering” or excessive redaction of the court-ordered Epstein records could result in criminal consequences.

In a video posted on social media, Khanna said that the documents are scheduled for release by 11.59 pm on Friday, December 19, under multiple federal court orders and stressed that the disclosure must be complete.

He said that thousands of records are expected to become public following decades of litigation and sealed proceedings.

“Let me be very clear. We need a full release,” Khanna said. “Anyone who tampers with these documents or conceals documents or engages in excessive redaction will be prosecuted because of obstruction of justice.”

Lawmaker cites court orders and warns of consequences

Khanna said that teams within the Justice Department were actively preparing the records for release and emphasized that compliance with judicial orders was mandatory, regardless of political considerations or institutional rank.

“We will prosecute individuals regardless of whether they’re the attorney general or a career or political appointee,” he said, adding that transparency was essential to restoring public trust.

Khanna said three federal judges have separately ordered the release of the materials and argued that the legislation was designed specifically to prevent discretionary delays or selective disclosures.

“As I’m speaking, dozens of lawyers on the national security team at the Department of Justice are preparing the documents for release,” he said, warning that any deviation from court directives could constitute obstruction of justice.

He framed the moment as a legal obligation rather than a political event, saying Congress intended the disclosure to be comprehensive and resistant to behind-the-scenes interference.

Focus on transparency and accountability

Khanna said that the release is intended to deliver transparency for Epstein survivors and ensure accountability through lawful processes, while remaining grounded in court rulings and due process.

“Tomorrow, finally, rich and powerful men who committed crimes or covered them up will be held accountable,” he said, without naming any individuals.

The congressman added that the release would serve as a test of institutional credibility, noting that the public would closely scrutinize how the Justice Department handles the process.

The Justice Department has not publicly responded to Khanna’s remarks or detailed how the records will be structured once released.