US Judge Orders DOJ to Release Unredacted Epstein Files

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of key documents related to the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein or explain why the materials cannot be disclosed. The order, issued with a deadline of July 2, stems from a lawsuit filed by journalist Katie Phang accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting files required by a federal law that mandates public release of most Epstein records.

The ruling requires the DOJ to publish interview notes that underlie FBI documents summarizing unverified allegations involving former President Donald Trump, and to provide a detailed log of every redaction made. Among the disputed records are eight emails with sender or recipient names blacked out, a draft indictment with potential co‑conspirators obscured, and a 2019 email mentioning additional co‑conspirators. The department maintains many redactions protect victims’ identities and privileged information, noting that about half of the roughly six million pages collected may ultimately be released.