By Harshit
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 — 8 AM EDT
New Epstein Documents Released Overnight
The U.S. Department of Justice released another batch of documents overnight related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, escalating political and legal scrutiny over how the records are being handled and disclosed.
The latest file drop comes days after an initial release that was heavily redacted and widely criticized by lawmakers, survivors, and legal experts. Officials said the documents are still under review and additional materials may be released with further redactions.
Authorities emphasized that the release is part of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law mandating the disclosure of unclassified Epstein-related records while protecting victims’ identities.
Trump’s Name Appears in Flight Records
Among the newly released documents are references to Donald Trump, including mentions in flight records connected to Epstein’s private aircraft.
An internal email written by an assistant U.S. attorney in January 2020 states that Trump was listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, some of which also included Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
Authorities have not accused Trump of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Legal experts stress that appearing in flight logs or documents does not in itself establish illegal conduct.
The Justice Department reiterated that the files cite many individuals and that inclusion alone should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.
Survivor Says Her Name Was Wrongly Exposed
The latest disclosures have intensified criticism after a survivor, identified publicly only as “Jane Doe,” told CNN that her real name appeared unredacted multiple times in the initial release.
The survivor said she repeatedly contacted the Justice Department requesting corrections but was unsuccessful. She reported receiving unsolicited phone calls after the documents became public, raising serious concerns about victim safety.
The DOJ acknowledged earlier that the size and scope of the files made the release vulnerable to human and machine error, stating that documents will continue to be reviewed and corrected where necessary.
DOJ Defends Redactions, Faces Political Pressure
Justice Department officials insist that extensive redactions are necessary to protect victims of sexual abuse. In a public statement, the department said it had “erred on the side of caution” and would continue revising documents as new information emerges.
However, lawmakers from both parties remain unconvinced.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the architects of the disclosure law, said the DOJ is failing to comply with both the letter and spirit of the statute.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna warned that contempt proceedings could follow if full compliance is not achieved, while Senate Democrats urged caution against rushed impeachment efforts that may not succeed in a divided Congress.
Trump Responds to Fallout
Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Trump criticized the release of photographs and documents involving high-profile figures, arguing that reputations were being damaged unfairly.
Trump claimed the document release was being used to distract from his administration’s achievements and expressed frustration that individuals photographed with Epstein decades ago were being scrutinized.
He reiterated that he severed ties with Epstein in the early 2000s and has described him in recent years as a “creep” and “not a fan.”
Clinton Photos Reignite Debate
The earlier batch of files included previously unreleased photographs of Bill Clinton with Epstein, reviving debate over the former president’s association with the disgraced financier.
A Clinton spokesperson said the renewed focus was an attempt to deflect attention from Trump, emphasizing that Clinton has also never been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Survivors Still Waiting for Answers
For Epstein survivors, the latest developments bring renewed frustration rather than closure.
Advocates say partial disclosures, heavy redactions, and administrative errors risk retraumatizing victims while failing to provide clarity about how Epstein avoided prosecution for years.
“This is not transparency,” one survivor told CNN. “It feels like another delay in justice.”
Legal analysts warn that unless disclosures are handled with greater precision, the process could undermine public trust and fuel conspiracy theories rather than resolve long-standing questions.
What Happens Next
The Justice Department says additional documents remain under review and that future releases will continue to balance transparency with victim protection.
Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue when Congress reconvenes, with oversight hearings, legal challenges, and possible funding leverage all under discussion.
For now, the Epstein files remain a volatile political flashpoint — entangling powerful figures, testing institutional credibility, and reopening wounds for survivors who say they are still waiting to be heard.