Massie says Epstein file launch isn’t full until key names seem

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Thomas Massie, R-Ky., mentioned he plans to evaluate the thoroughness of the Justice Division’s disclosures on Jeffrey Epstein by one customary: whether or not it features a checklist of names he is personally already seen.

The Trump administration has run up towards the deadline set out by the Epstein Recordsdata Transparency Act — a invoice that compels the DOJ to launch all its documentation on Jeffrey Epstein and his intercourse trafficking practices.

It is already clear the DOJ will blow previous that deadline.

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"The victims' attorneys have been involved with me. And collectively, they know there are at the least 20 names of males who're accused of intercourse crimes within the possession of the FBI," Massie mentioned in a publish to X.

"So, if we get a big manufacturing on December nineteenth, and it doesn't comprise a single identify of any male who's accused of a intercourse crime or intercourse trafficking or rape or any of these items, then we all know they have not produced all of the paperwork," Massie added.

Massie's expectations come as Deputy Legal professional Normal Todd Blanche introduced Friday the DOJ wouldn't launch its full trove of paperwork associated to Epstein by the deadline laid out by the Epstein Recordsdata Transparency Act.

"There’s a variety of eyes taking a look at these, and we wish to guarantee that once we do produce the supplies we're producing, that we're defending each single sufferer," Blanche advised "Fox & Buddies."

The division expects to roll out its releases over the subsequent few weeks.

Following Blanche's announcement, Massie posted an image of the legislation's textual content to X, highlighting the phrase "all" in its directions to make its information on Epstein out there to the general public.

"Time's up," Massie added.

It's unclear whether or not the names Massie has in thoughts would point out any diploma of wrongdoing on their very own. Even after the DOJ has accomplished its launch, it might redact some names to guard their identities if it determines their innocence or connection to victims.

Forward of the legislation's passage, U.S. Home Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., voiced concern that the legislation's broad mandates would destroy the popularity of doubtless harmless people.

"[This] might destroy the popularity of fully harmless folks, corresponding to those that knew Epstein however knew nothing of his crimes or whose names he exploited and used to attempt to get near his supposed victims," Johnson mentioned at a press convention final month.

"Their names could also be in these recordsdata, they usually had nothing to do with this," Johnson mentioned. "[It] would topic these folks to guilt by affiliation."

Questions on Epstein’s dealings have lingered following his loss of life in 2019 when he was found lifeless in his jail cell whereas incarcerated on costs of intercourse trafficking minors. Epstein had an in depth social circle that included figures like former President Invoice Clinton, Microsoft founder Invoice Gates, the UK’s Prince Andrew and President Donald Trump.

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Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have been each indicted on federal intercourse trafficking costs stemming from Epstein's years of abuse of underage women. (Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan by way of Getty Photographs)

His loss of life, which lower quick his prosecution, left behind questions of whether or not he used his expansive ties to facilitate unlawful sexual encounters for a few of his contacts.

On the marketing campaign path, Trump promised to place these inquiries to mattress by rising transparency about Epstein and his dealings, revealing no matter solutions the DOJ had present in its unfinished prosecution. However months into the second Trump administration with no new data, Massie and different Republican lawmakers have grown annoyed.

In early November, the Epstein Recordsdata Transparency Act obtained the wanted help to obtain a vote within the Home of Representatives after a gaggle of lawmakers, led by Massie, joined Democrats to power it to the ground. It quickly handed the Home and Senate and was signed into legislation by Trump on Nov. 19.

That legislation gave the DOJ one month to supply its recordsdata on Epstein and make them publicly searchable.

Though Trump signed the legislation, Massie stays involved the data received’t see the sunshine of day or that it is going to be solely a partial launch. Nevertheless, he famous that in contrast to a subpoena, the Epstein transparency legislation carries extra enforceability.

Massie famous that if members of the Trump DOJ don’t adjust to the legislation, they could open themselves as much as prosecution by future administrations.

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Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks to the media following a vote to cease a authorities shutdown on the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Publish by way of Getty Photographs)

"But when they refuse to supply these supplies, then as an example whoever is the subsequent president, their lawyer basic might deliver costs as a result of the statute of limitations won't have run out on non-compliance with this legislation. It is distinctive," Massie mentioned.