Lawmakers Accuse DOJ of Ongoing Epstein Files Cover-Up

Members of Congress say the Justice Department is still improperly redacting documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Millions of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have been released, but members of Congress say the Justice Department is still engaged in a cover-up by improperly redacting documents that could reveal the identities of Epstein's powerful associates. Reps. Ro Khanna, Jamie Raskin, and Thomas Massie say the DOJ has made mistakes in redacting FBI interview documents with Epstein's victims, and that unredacted versions could show who Epstein's co-conspirators were. The DOJ faces a deadline this weekend to justify its redactions to Congress.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has raised questions about the extent of his connections to other powerful figures, and the government's handling of the investigation. Lawmakers say the continued redactions are preventing the public from getting the full truth about Epstein's network and activities.

The details

Reps. Khanna, Raskin, and Massie, who sponsored legislation to force the release of the Epstein files, say the DOJ has improperly redacted hundreds of FBI documents that could reveal the identities of Epstein's co-conspirators. They were able to view less-redacted versions of some documents, which showed the names of figures like the former CEO of Victoria's Secret and an Emirati businessman who associated with Epstein. The lawmakers say the DOJ is violating a law that prohibits redactions for reasons of "embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity."

  • The Justice Department faces a deadline this weekend to justify its redactions to Congress.
  • In 2026, the Epstein Files Transparency Act forced the release of millions of pages of investigative material on Epstein.

The players

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California who was a lead sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Jamie Raskin

A Democratic Congressman from Maryland who is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman from Kentucky who was a lead sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who testified before Congress about the Justice Department's efforts to release the Epstein files.

Nancy Mace

A Republican Congresswoman from South Carolina who joined the effort to force the release of the Epstein files.

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What they’re saying

“It's both an exposure in a big way, but it's also a cover-up.”

— Ro Khanna, Congressman (HuffPost)

“Memos and attachments drafted by the DOJ on potential co-conspirators remain hidden. The excuse? This is how they received the data. The American people deserve every page. Every name. And every truth the government is holding onto.”

— Nancy Mace, Congresswoman (Social media)

“It recorded [Trump] in the interview as saying Epstein was not a member at Mar-a-Lago, but he was a guest and we never sent him away.”

— Jamie Raskin, Congressman (HuffPost)

What’s next

The Justice Department faces a deadline this weekend to justify its redactions to members of Congress in writing. This is likely to provoke another round of questions and scrutiny over the government's handling of the Epstein investigation files.

The takeaway

The continued redactions and cover-up allegations surrounding the Epstein files highlight the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Epstein's network of powerful associates and the government's role in investigating his crimes. Lawmakers say the public deserves to know every name and detail, rather than having information hidden for political or reputational reasons.