The Justice Department has defended its decision to release only a portion of records related to Jeffrey Epstein by a congressionally mandated deadline, arguing that further review is necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Trump administration remains committed to eventually fulfilling its legal obligations while proceeding cautiously with sensitive material.
The partial release on Friday included photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records, and other documents tied to years of government scrutiny of Epstein.
However, several highly anticipated records were absent, including FBI interviews with survivors and internal Justice Department memoranda examining past charging decisions.
Those omissions, along with heavy redactions, quickly fueled criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans who accused the department of withholding information.
Blanche rejected those claims, saying continued document review is driven solely by concerns for victims’ safety and privacy.
“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply that to protect victims,” Blanche said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Democratic leaders argued that the partial release falls short of what the Epstein Files Transparency Act requires.
Rep. Jamie Raskin said the delay reflects an effort to shield politically sensitive information rather than protect victims.
Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie said they may pursue articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing what they view as selective concealment.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a full explanation and investigation but stopped short of endorsing impeachment.
Sen. Dick Durbin said Democrats would investigate what he described as a violation of the law governing the release.
Some Republicans also criticized the slow pace and removal of documents, questioning the department’s handling of the process.
Blanche also addressed the removal of more than a dozen photographs from the Justice Department’s website less than a day after their release.
One image showed a drawer containing photographs of Epstein with several individuals, including President Donald Trump.
Blanche said the images were taken down after concerns raised by victim advocacy groups and would be reposted after appropriate redactions.
“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said, adding that the department routinely removes material when victim identification is possible.
Blanche said ongoing review has revealed additional potential victims and requires a methodical process involving hundreds of lawyers.
He also defended the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security prison, citing threats to her safety.
Blanche dismissed accusations of a cover-up and said the department is complying with the law while prioritizing survivor protection.