The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently sifting through more than 5.2 million pages of documents potentially linked to the notorious financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This staggering figure, reported on 30 December 2025, far exceeds earlier estimates and underscores the scale of the review.
Why Is the DOJ Reviewing Epstein Files?
The review is part of the effort to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law that required the release of Epstein-related records by 19 December 2025. The law aims to shed light on Epstein’s criminal network and the individuals linked to him.
A DOJ spokesperson told: “We are fully committed to complying with the disclosure law and have attorneys working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions to protect victims.”
How Many People Are Involved in the Review?
The DOJ is reportedly bringing in 400 lawyers to assist in the review. This includes:
- Prosecutors from the national security and criminal divisions
- Attorneys from US attorney offices in New York and Florida
Even with such manpower, the document review is not expected to be completed until at least 20 January 2026.
How Much Has Been Released So Far?
To date, the DOJ has released around 100,000 pages of records. These files include:
- Photographs of former President Bill Clinton with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
- A 2020 email from a Manhattan federal prosecutor noted that Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times in the mid-1990s, sparking renewed pressure on Donald Trump in the media
It’s important to note that there is no evidence that Trump knew about Epstein’s crimes or committed any wrongdoing. Some released images of Trump with Epstein were later shown to have been doctored by AI, raising questions about authenticity in circulating media
Are US Politicians Pressuring for Faster Release?
The authors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) have signalled they may propose fines of $5,000 per day against the Attorney General for withheld or heavily redacted documents.
Justice Dept. now said to be reviewing 5.2 million pages of Epstein files
— on r/InterstellarKinetics
This indicates ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the DOJ over transparency.
How Does This Affect the Public and Media?
For the UK, the release of these documents could have several implications:
- Media reporting: UK news outlets may cover any revelations that involve British figures or institutions
- Public interest: Epstein’s crimes were global in scope, and victims or accomplices could be connected to the UK
- Legal awareness: Understanding how large-scale transparency acts function in other countries could influence discussions about UK law
