Hundreds of Thousands of Epstein Files Released, Revealing Powerful Names

More than a dozen names belonging to politically exposed individuals and government officials appear throughout the hundreds of thousands of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related files that were made public on Friday, according to sources familiar with the release.

During an extensive review of the records, the Department of Justice identified more than 1,200 victims and their family members. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche explained the scope of this process and the standards used to determine which materials could be released in a letter sent to members of Congress.

The newly released files include previously unseen photographs of Epstein alongside former President Bill Clinton. Clinton did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the release.

While the names and identifying information of victims have been redacted, the same redaction standards were initially applied to references involving politically exposed individuals and government officials. However, Blanche later clarified that the Department of Justice is not withholding the names of politicians.

“The only redactions applied to these documents are those required by law,” Blanche said, emphasizing that victims’ names, personal stories, and any information that could identify them are protected. He further stated that no famous individuals or public officials have had their names removed unless they are identified as victims.

In his letter to lawmakers, Blanche confirmed that the Department of Justice has released hundreds of thousands of pages of documents in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He noted that the release was completed within the 30-day deadline mandated by the law.

Blanche described the disclosure as unprecedented, stating that never before has such a large volume of sensitive law enforcement material been made available to the public. He emphasized that the current administration is committed to transparency while still adhering to legal requirements designed to protect victims and ongoing investigations.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed in November, requires the government to release all unclassified materials related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. The law allows for redactions or omissions only when necessary to protect victims, avoid compromising active investigations or litigation, or safeguard national defense or foreign policy interests.

As part of the review process, the Department of Justice determined that more than 1,200 individuals were victims or relatives of victims. All references that could reveal their identities have been removed, and any materials that might lead to their identification were excluded from release.

According to Blanche, the documents made public include all unclassified records, communications, investigative materials, and custodial records related to Epstein, including those connected to investigations and prosecutions.