U.S. Judge Orders DOJ to Release Unredacted Epstein Records

On July 26, 2026, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan issued an order in Katie Phang's lawsuit demanding that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche provide eight unredacted email chains and supporting documentation related to Jeffrey Epstein. The order requires the Justice Department to demonstrate that the redacted names in those emails are victims protected by law, and the material will be reviewed privately by the court.

The decision marks a significant step in the litigation over the DOJ’s extensive redactions of Epstein‑related files, compelling the department to substantiate its claims rather than relying on its own explanations.