WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In a recent briefing, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's decision to release only a fraction of the files related to Jeffrey Epstein by the congressionally mandated deadline. Blanche stated that this decision was crucial to protect survivors of sexual abuse linked to the disgraced financier.
During his appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Blanche acknowledged public pressure for greater transparency but maintained that the department's cautious approach was necessary when dealing with sensitive information. The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims, he explained.
Last Friday's partial release of the Epstein files spurred intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers who suggested that the Trump administration was attempting to conceal information. Blanche termed this backlash disingenuous, emphasizing that the administration was under obligation to meet legal requirements while also safeguarding victims.
Despite the assurances, significant records anticipated in this release—such as FBI interviews with survivors—were notably absent, raising concerns about the transparency of the entire investigation. Trump, who had a previous friendship with Epstein, has been adamant about maintaining the integrity of the files, even as calls for their public scrutiny grow louder.
Critics, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), argued that the Justice Department's limited release was obstructive rather than protective. Raskin contended that the administration was attempting to cover up sensitive information involving political allies rather than advocating for the victims.
It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, Raskin stated on CNN.
Blanche's responses, which included the department’s intention to eventually fulfill its obligations regarding the documentation, contrasted sharply with calls from several Democratic leaders for a deeper investigation into the matter and potential legal consequences.
In related developments, Blanche mentioned that the department had recently identified additional potential victims through the ongoing review of documents linked to Epstein's operations and faced scrutiny for a range of administrative decisions made concerning his close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
As this story continues to unfold, the public remains attentive to the Justice Department's next moves in what has become a pivotal issue amid the ongoing discussions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse case.
