WASHINGTON (FN) — Bipartisan members of Congress have warned they may take legal action against Attorney General Pam Bondi after the Justice Department released only a partial set of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, despite a statutory deadline.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November, required the DOJ to make public all non‑protected records connected to Epstein’s criminal investigations by Friday. Instead, lawmakers say the release contained excessive redactions and omitted key material, fueling suspicions of a deliberate cover‑up.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, co‑sponsors of the Act, blasted the DOJ’s handling of the files. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Massie said Congress was considering invoking “inherent contempt”, a rarely used power that allows the House to sanction executive officials without court involvement.
Khanna confirmed that lawmakers were exploring contempt proceedings, which could include daily fines or even detention of officials until full compliance is achieved. “This is about transparency and accountability,” Khanna said. “The American people deserve to know the truth.”
The DOJ insists it is complying with its obligations, with Bondi herself claiming she is part of “the most transparent administration in American history.” Critics, however, argue that the partial release undermines public trust and violates the spirit of the law.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse joined lawmakers in condemning the incomplete release. At a Capitol press conference, victims’ advocates asked bluntly: “What are they hiding?” They argue that full disclosure is essential to expose networks of enablers and prevent future abuses.
The controversy has reignited debate over the government’s handling of Epstein’s case, including his 2019 death in federal custody and longstanding allegations of powerful figures shielding him. Analysts say the dispute could escalate into a constitutional clash between Congress and the executive branch.
Legal experts note that invoking inherent contempt would be extraordinary, as the power has not been used in decades. Still, lawmakers argue that the DOJ’s defiance leaves them little choice. “If the executive branch won’t follow the law, Congress must enforce it,” Massie said.
The partial release comes amid heightened public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to political, business, and cultural elites. Transparency advocates say the DOJ’s reluctance to disclose records risks fueling conspiracy theories and eroding confidence in institutions.
As pressure mounts, the showdown over the Epstein files is shaping up to be one of the most contentious transparency battles in recent U.S. history — pitting Congress, survivors, and the public against the nation’s top law enforcement official.
