US Justice Department Releases Massive Trove of Epstein Files
WASHINGTON, 30 January 2026 – The US Department of Justice has published more than three million pages of documents, images, and videos related to its investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release comes weeks after a congressionally mandated deadline and follows new claims from Ghislaine Maxwell alleging secret settlements for dozens of Epstein’s associates.
Major Document Dump Under Transparency Act
The Justice Department, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the substantial release on Friday, 30 January. The documents were disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law signed by President Donald Trump in November 2025 which required the government to open its records on Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. The law set a deadline of 19 December 2025 for the full release, a target the DOJ missed by several weeks, prompting criticism from legal experts and survivors’ advocates.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s New Allegations
In a parallel development, a December court filing from Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team has ignited fresh scrutiny. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, claims through her lawyers that at least 25 to 29 of Epstein’s associates—described as “untouchables”—were granted secret plea deals or paid confidential settlements. Her petition argues these individuals “could equally be considered as coconspirators” and seeks to overturn her 2021 conviction. The claims have raised renewed questions about the scope of the investigation and who else may have been involved.
Key Facts & Recent Developments
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume Released | Over 3 million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos |
| Governing Law | Epstein Files Transparency Act (Signed Nov 2025) |
| Official Deadline | 19 December 2025 (Missed by DOJ) |
| Key Allegation | Maxwell claims 25-29 associates received secret deals |
| DOJ Statement | Attorney General Pam Bondi said review would finish “in the near term” |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?
It is a law passed by the 119th United States Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on 19 November 2025. The Act mandates the US Department of Justice to release all unclassified documents related to its investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Why was the release delayed?
The Justice Department had until 19 December 2025 to release the files. Officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, cited the need for a thorough review to protect privacy and ongoing legal sensitivities. Critics have accused the department of “slow-walking” the process.
What do Ghislaine Maxwell’s new claims involve?
In a habeas corpus petition filed in December, Maxwell’s lawyers alleged that numerous “friends” and associates of Epstein were granted immunity or paid confidential settlements, shielding them from prosecution. They named between 25 and 29 individuals, arguing this undermines the fairness of her own conviction.