KTTC | Rochester, MN February 16, 2026

Minnesota, Iowa Lawmakers Plan Review of Unredacted Epstein Files

Documents released in the Epstein files investigation.

Key Takeaways

▶ KTTC survey found Minnesota and Iowa congressional delegations have not publicly committed to reviewing unredacted Epstein files in secure reading rooms.
▶ Under the Epstein Transparency Act, members of Congress can access unredacted files without making them public.
▶ Representatives Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, and Ro Khanna have committed to reviewing unredacted documents.
▶ Independent analysis found Trump DOJ released only 2% of Epstein files, despite Bondi's claim of complete disclosure.

Regional Lawmakers Have Not Committed to File Review

Federal lawmakers representing Minnesota and Iowa have not said whether they will review unredacted versions of the Epstein files, according to KTTC.¹

The station surveyed congressional delegations from both states following Attorney General Pam Bondi’s release of what she described as a complete list of names from the Department of Justice’s Epstein files. KTTC reported no affirmative responses from representatives of either state.¹

The absence of public commitments from Minnesota and Iowa delegations contrasts with lawmakers in other states who have announced plans to examine the documents.

Congressional Access Under Transparency Act

The Epstein Transparency Act grants members of Congress authority to review unredacted files in a secure reading room. The process mirrors procedures used for classified intelligence briefings, where lawmakers examine sensitive documents without making them public.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina have both committed to reviewing the unredacted files.² Massie said he lost confidence in Bondi after what he described as her avoidance of eye contact with Epstein survivors during a congressional hearing.²

Rep. Ro Khanna of California called on the DOJ to stop withholding names, saying those in Epstein’s network “knew enough to know better.”³ Mace demanded unredacted co-conspirator files, calling the current release inadequate.⁴

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia called Trump’s handling of the files a “political miscalculation.” She later reported receiving death threats over her public criticism.⁵

Dispute Over Release Completeness

Bondi testified before Congress that the DOJ had released “all” files. Lawmakers from both parties disputed that claim.

The DOJ provided a list of approximately 300 names, including deceased celebrities such as David Bowie and Michael Jackson. Members of Congress accused Bondi of padding the list by including people with no alleged criminal involvement.

One independent analysis found the Trump DOJ released only 2% of Epstein files. The FBI’s Epstein file collection spans millions of pages.

Documents released so far show Epstein maintained contact with elite institutions and received invitations to congressional events years after his initial conviction.¹

International Investigations

The United Kingdom launched a national task force to investigate trafficking allegations. France established a special team to review files for French nationals. New Mexico opened its first full investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch property.

Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer resigned after being named in documents. The Dubai ports chief stepped down after hundreds of emails surfaced. Hyatt heir Tom Pritzker left his position after contact with Epstein was documented in the files.

United Nations experts called for a formal investigation, stating the case could involve crimes against humanity.