The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released over 3 million pages of documents related to the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, January 30, 2026, calling it the final release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, questions remain about the completeness of the disclosure, with some alleging the DOJ is still withholding records.
The release, which includes more than 2,000 videos and roughly 180,000 images, expands upon a limited release in December 2025. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the department has now completed its obligations under the act, following months of public pressure and bipartisan criticism regarding the government’s handling of records related to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Despite the DOJ’s assertion of full compliance, concerns persist. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California, co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, told Meet the Press on Sunday that the DOJ has, at best, released only half of the documents. He described the released materials as shocking, revealing emails indicating wealthy individuals in tech, finance, and politics expressed interest in visiting Epstein’s island, knowing of his alleged offenses.
Survivors and their advocates have also voiced criticism. A group of Epstein survivors released a statement accusing the DOJ of exposing survivors by releasing files containing unredacted names over 500 times in some cases, while continuing to protect potential perpetrators. They argued the process has retraumatized survivors and betrayed those it was intended to serve.
The newly released files contain over 38,000 references to Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Mar-a-Lago, and related terms, according to The New York Times. These references include news articles, but also an FBI document summarizing allegations against Trump made through the bureau’s Threat Operations Center tip line.
The documents also reveal communications involving prominent figures such as Elon Musk, who inquired about the “wildest party” on Epstein’s island, and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, who emailed Epstein in 2013 stating he wanted to see him again “as long as you bring your harem.” Emails also show that Trump’s Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick arranged a visit to Epstein’s island in 2012, years after claiming to have cut ties with Epstein.
Despite the extensive release, Deputy Attorney General Blanche indicated This proves unlikely anyone else will be prosecuted in connection with the Epstein case. This stance has fueled further criticism from those who believe a more thorough investigation is warranted.
Arick Fudali, a partner and managing attorney at The Bloom Firm, representing 11 of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, highlighted the apparent inconsistencies in the DOJ’s handling of the release. He stated that one of his clients was named 538 times in the released documents, despite the firm providing the DOJ with her name for redaction purposes. Fudali suggested a combination of incompetence and an active cover-up may be at play, and called for the appointment of a special master to oversee the review and redaction of the remaining materials.
Investigative journalist Vicky Ward, host and co-producer of the podcast series Chasing Ghislaine, pointed to past interactions between Justice Department officials and Epstein’s legal team, suggesting a pattern of influence and potential conflicts of interest. She also noted that Ghislaine Maxwell is expected to testify before Congress on February 9, 2026, though she anticipates Maxwell will invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
The release of these documents continues to fuel scrutiny and debate surrounding the Epstein case, raising questions about the extent of his network, the government’s handling of the investigation, and the pursuit of accountability for those involved.
