House Democrats demand full access to DOJ Epstein files ahead of hearing

The Justice Department uploaded an additional tranche of Jeffrey Epstein-related records on Jan. 30–31, touching off sharp demands from House Judiciary Committee Democrats who said on Jan. 31 that they would press the department for broader access and explanations for redactions. Lawmakers said the move was insufficient as Congress prepares a public hearing in which Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to appear.

Top committee Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin sent a formal inquiry to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting immediate arrangements to view the full case files and asking for an urgent review of the newly posted papers ahead of Bondi’s scheduled testimony. Raskin urged that lawmakers be allowed to review unredacted versions "as soon as Sunday," and framed the request as necessary to assess whether the department’s redactions were lawful or improperly shielding material from oversight.

The committee questioned why the Justice Department released only half of the estimated pages in the production and pressed for a clear schedule for remaining disclosures. DOJ has told lawmakers it will release files on a rolling basis, citing the volume of material and the time required to make redactions intended to protect survivors’ privacy. Committee Democrats disputed whether that process sufficiently balanced privacy with congressional oversight.

Survivors’ advocates joined the call for fuller disclosure. A statement released through the publicist of the late Virginia Giuffre said, "The Justice Department 'cannot claim it is finished releasing files until every legally required document is released and every abuser and enabler is fully exposed.'" The statement added that advocates "need to hear directly from Attorney General Pam Bondi when she appears before the House Judiciary Committee" and warned that the matter "is not over."

The recent uploads include a wide array of materials cited by congressional staff, among them a September 2009 deposition of Jeffrey Epstein’s former house manager, Juan Alessi, and email threads from Epstein’s accounts. In the Alessi deposition, he said President Trump "never" stayed over at Epstein's Palm Beach home and "never" got a massage there, adding that Trump would come to dinner "but he would eat with Alessi in the kitchen and not sit at the table." Alessi also described driving Ghislaine Maxwell to Mar-a-Lago and seeing her approach a young woman who was walking from the lobby.

Email exchanges in the latest tranche include a thread signed "A." that committee reviewers say appears to involve the man formerly known as Prince Andrew. In one exchange the correspondent signed "A." wrote, "Great. Any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know? Like what have you told her about me and have you given her my email as well?" Epstein replied, "She 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email." Later lines recorded in the thread include "That was quick!", "How are you? Good to be free?" and Epstein’s response, "Great to be free of many things," material that has renewed international and diplomatic sensitivities.

Lawmakers are also operating against a broader legislative backdrop that includes an Epstein Files Transparency Act and separate oversight actions targeting associates in Epstein’s circle. Committee Democrats say the volume of material - which they describe as a universe of "more than six million pages" tied to Epstein - underscores the need for a clear production timetable and an explanation for how privacy-based redactions are being applied.

The coming week will test whether DOJ can accommodate congressional demands for unredacted review while preserving confidentiality for survivors. The committee has signaled it will press ahead with public oversight at a hearing in which Bondi is expected to testify, and lawmakers said they would seek documents and answers before that session.