Acting AG Blanche Signals DOJ Will 'Move On' From Epstein Files

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declared the Department of Justice is finished releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters the files “should not be a part of anything going forward.”¹

Blanche, who assumed the role after the departure of Pam Bondi, said the DOJ had fulfilled its obligations under the Epstein Transparency Act. He claimed there is “not a single piece of paper left” in the department’s possession that has not been made public.¹

The statement drew immediate pushback from members of Congress who have led oversight of the file releases.

Lawmakers Dispute Claim

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, rejected Blanche’s assertion. Garcia stated that approximately 2.5 million pages of Epstein investigative files remain unreleased by the Justice Department.²

Garcia pointed to a CNN investigation published in March that documented the gap between the total volume of DOJ Epstein files and the material that has been made public. The California Democrat said Blanche’s claim that nothing remains is contradicted by the department’s own records.

The dispute echoes previous clashes between Congress and the DOJ over the completeness of Epstein document releases. Former AG Bondi faced similar criticism from lawmakers who accused the department of releasing incomplete records with excessive redactions.

‘Move On’ Language Draws Scrutiny

Blanche’s choice of words — that the files “should not be a part of anything going forward” — drew particular criticism from transparency advocates and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.¹

Democrats characterized the language as an attempt to preemptively shut down congressional oversight. Several Republicans who co-authored the Epstein Transparency Act have also questioned whether the DOJ has met its statutory obligations.

The Washington Examiner reported that Blanche’s comments appeared coordinated with broader DOJ messaging intended to close the chapter on Epstein-related document production.² Department officials declined to elaborate on Blanche’s remarks when pressed by reporters.

Context of Blanche’s Appointment

Blanche took over as acting attorney general following Bondi’s removal from the position. His background as a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney in New York included no prior involvement in Epstein-related matters before joining the administration.

His declaration that the DOJ should move past the files came during his first week overseeing the department. Congressional sources said the speed of the statement surprised members of both parties who expected the new acting AG to take time reviewing the status of document releases before making public pronouncements.

Unreleased Documents

The 2.5 million pages that lawmakers say remain unreleased include investigative files, internal DOJ and FBI communications, and evidence gathered during federal probes of Epstein’s activities. The Epstein Transparency Act mandated release of these records with limited exceptions for national security and ongoing investigations.

DOJ officials under Bondi previously acknowledged that released documents represented a portion of the department’s total Epstein holdings. The department has not publicly reconciled that acknowledgment with Blanche’s claim that no documents remain.

House Oversight Committee members have indicated they may pursue legal action to compel production of the outstanding files. The committee’s subpoena authority extends to internal DOJ documents about the review and release process.

References

1. Acting AG Blanche says DOJ will ‘move on’ from Epstein files - The Hill
2. Blanche claims no Epstein documents remain at DOJ - Washington Examiner