The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it may require several additional weeks to complete the public release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein after uncovering more than one million additional documents that could be connected to the case. The disclosure has extended delays beyond a deadline set by Congress, intensifying scrutiny over how federal agencies have handled one of the most sensitive criminal investigations in recent history.

Officials stated that the newly identified materials were found during ongoing coordination between federal prosecutors and investigators, significantly expanding the scope of documents subject to mandatory review under federal transparency law. The Justice Department emphasized that the size and complexity of the records require careful examination before any public release can occur.

Congressional Pressure and Oversight Demands

The delay has prompted renewed calls from members of the U.S. Senate for independent oversight. Lawmakers argued that the failure to meet statutory deadlines undermines public trust and prolongs uncertainty for victims seeking accountability. A formal request has been submitted to the Department of Justice’s oversight office, which operates independently within the agency, to review compliance procedures and internal communications related to the missed deadline.

The Inspector General’s role, as outlined on the official site of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.justice.gov, includes auditing agency actions and evaluating adherence to federal law. Senators emphasized that transparency obligations are not discretionary and must be enforced regardless of administrative challenges.

Discovery of Additional Epstein-Related Materials

Earlier statements from senior officials had suggested that the universe of Epstein-related records had already undergone a thorough review. However, the discovery of over one million potentially relevant files has raised questions about document tracking and record management practices within federal law enforcement agencies.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan, whose responsibilities are detailed at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny, have acknowledged possessing millions of records tied to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Officials indicated that many files overlap or duplicate previously reviewed material, but each document must still be evaluated individually to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Legal Obligations Under Federal Transparency Law

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, enacted last month, requires the Justice Department to release non-privileged records while protecting victims’ identities. According to statutory guidance published at https://www.congress.gov, agencies must redact names, personal identifiers, and sensitive information before disclosure.

The Justice Department stated that legal teams are working continuously to meet these obligations while balancing privacy protections. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose investigative authority is outlined at https://www.fbi.gov, is collaborating with prosecutors to verify relevance and ensure proper handling of evidence. Officials maintain that the extended timeline reflects legal diligence rather than resistance to disclosure, though lawmakers have signaled that continued delays could trigger further legislative action.