Members of the House Oversight Committee intend to release portions of the Department of Justice‘s case files around Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report from CNN.
The late financier and former associate of President Donald Trump was facing charges of sex trafficking when he committed suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. Trump stoked conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s connections and death while campaigning for a second presidential term. A DOJ memo earlier this year denied the existence of an Epstein client list and inspired anger among members of the MAGA movement. Trump has made several unsuccessful attempts to move on from the story.
Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said that the DOJ had agreed to share its files on Epstein. Representatives of the committee said they plan to make those files public after making necessary redactions to protect the victims.
“The Committee intends to make the records public after thorough review to ensure all victims’ identification and child sexual abuse material are redacted,” they shared in a statement to CBS News. “The Committee will also consult with the DOJ to ensure any documents released do not negatively impact ongoing criminal cases and investigations.”
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In a statement, Comer said that he expected the files by Friday. He commended the Justice Department for moving quickly to share the trove of documents.
“There are many records in DOJ’s custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted,” Comer said. “I appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter.”
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