US lawmakers accuse justice department of 'inappropriately' redacting Epstein files

February 10, 2026

US lawmakers are criticizing the Department of Justice for improperly redacting approximately three million pages of files related to Jeffrey Epstein before their public release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Congressional representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie claim that the FBI redacted names of potentially implicated individuals in March, violating the transparency law that passed nearly unanimously and was signed by President Trump in November. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has responded by unredacting some documents and defending certain redactions as legally required to protect victim identities and personal information, while denying any coverup.

Who is affected

Jeffrey Epstein's victims and survivors
Individuals whose names were improperly redacted in the documents (approximately 20 people, with at least six potentially incriminated)
Congressional lawmakers reviewing the files (Representatives Ro Khanna, Thomas Massie, Jamie Raskin, and Lauren Boebert specifically named)
The Department of Justice and FBI
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Attorney General Pam Bondi
Ghislaine Maxwell (Epstein's convicted associate)
A "well known retired CEO" mentioned in the documents
An unnamed Sultan referenced in email exchanges

What action is being taken

Members of Congress are reviewing unredacted versions of the Epstein files in a DOJ office
The DOJ is unredacting specific documents in response to lawmakers' complaints
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is responding to concerns on social media and releasing updated versions of files
Lawmakers are compiling lists of improperly redacted names and posting screenshots online demanding explanations

Why it matters

This matters because the Epstein Files Transparency Act was designed to reveal information about individuals potentially involved in or complicit with Epstein's sex trafficking operations, including powerful and wealthy figures. The improper redactions undermine the law's transparency goals and prevent the public from learning the identities of those who may have committed crimes against underage victims. The controversy raises questions about whether government agencies are protecting influential individuals from accountability and whether victims will receive justice. Additionally, the limited access provided to lawmakers—only four computers for over three million documents—hampers effective congressional oversight of the release process.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC