Justice Department defends handling of Epstein files amid Bipartisan backlash

The U.S. Justice Department is facing intensifying bipartisan scrutiny over its handling of records linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , even as senior officials attempt to contain the political fallout.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in a closed-door session on Wednesday, aiming to address concerns surrounding the delayed and heavily redacted release of Epstein-related documents.

The briefing comes amid growing frustration among lawmakers, who argue that the Justice Department has not been fully transparent. The Republican-led panel has issued a subpoena compelling Bondi to testify under oath on April 14, seeking clarity on the department’s decisions regarding the files. Critics have also raised alarm over what they describe as inconsistent redactions, some of which allegedly exposed sensitive details about victims.

The Justice Department, however, has dismissed the subpoena as unnecessary. Officials maintain that members of Congress have already been given opportunities to examine unredacted materials in a secure setting and insist that department leadership has been accessible for further inquiries.

The controversy stems from the long-awaited disclosure of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation passed after sustained political and public pressure for greater accountability. The department has since released an extensive archive, including more than three million pages of records, thousands of videos, and hundreds of thousands of images. Officials said the scale of the material required a large team of legal experts to review and redact sensitive content, contributing to delays beyond the original December deadline set by Congress.

Amid speculation, the department has firmly denied allegations that it is shielding Donald Trump or other prominent figures who may have had past associations with Epstein. It has also rejected claims that victims have been overlooked, emphasizing that no prosecutable evidence against additional individuals has emerged so far. Authorities say they remain open to pursuing new leads if credible information surfaces.

The Epstein case continues to draw widespread public attention, fuelling demands for full disclosure and accountability, while underscoring ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the Justice Department over transparency and oversight.