{"id":2623512,"date":"2026-07-03T17:22:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T21:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/doj-defends-withholding-more-epstein-files-after-ordered-release\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T17:24:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T21:24:29","slug":"doj-defends-withholding-more-epstein-files-after-ordered-release","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/doj-defends-withholding-more-epstein-files-after-ordered-release\/","title":{"rendered":"DOJ defends withholding more Epstein files after ordered release"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdoj-defends-withholding-more-epstein-files-after-ordered-release%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2623512&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Justice Department (DOJ) has urged a federal judge to reject requests for additional unredacted Jeffrey Epstein records, arguing it has already met transparency requirements while requesting a 60-day extension to consider potential appeals if more material must be released. The DOJ filed a 17-page document shortly before a court deadline, which required the department to either unredact certain disputed records or explain why it could not. The dispute stems from a lawsuit by journalist Katie Phang, alleging the DOJ improperly withheld records related to Epstein\u2019s inquiry. The DOJ contends that many records are protected under statutory exemptions to safeguard victims\u2019 identities and ongoing investigations.The <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >withheld records include email exchanges discussing alleged abuse<\/a> and a purported \u201ctorture video,\u201d wiht redactions made to protect victims\u2019 privacy. The department claims it cannot produce certain draft documents or fully unredacted FBI notes due to technical limitations and the need to protect victims\u2019 information. Instead of releasing more records publicly,the DOJ has offered to provide detailed explanations in closed-door proceedings. this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/court-rules-mail-ballots-public-but-lets-pa-hide-vote-records\/\" title=\"Court Rules Mail Ballots Public But Lets PA Hide Vote ...\">case highlights ongoing tensions<\/a> over transparency and the handling of sensitive Epstein-related materials, with a recent court order instructing the DOJ to unredact Epstein files related to Trump and the alleged \u201ctorture video.\u201d It remains uncertain whether Judge Sullivan will except the DOJ\u2019s requests, especially after previous violations found in the release of files.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/department-of-justice\/\">Justice Department<\/a> urged a federal judge late Thursday to reject demands for additional unredacted <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/jeffrey-epstein\/\">Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> records, arguing it has already complied with federal transparency requirements while simultaneously requesting a 60-day extension to consider a potential appeal if ordered to release more material.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/recap\/gov.uscourts.dcd.291779\/gov.uscourts.dcd.291779.19.0.pdf\">17-page filing<\/a> was entered by the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\/\">Trump administration\u2019s<\/a> DOJ just hours before a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/recap\/gov.uscourts.dcd.291779\/gov.uscourts.dcd.291779.15.0_1.pdf\">court-imposed deadline<\/a> requiring the department to either remove redactions from at least a dozen disputed records or explain why it could not.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4635358\/jack-smith-interview-midterms-trump\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Jack Smith says he\u2019s \u2018very concerned\u2019 about midterm elections under Trump<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4635143\/secret-service-new-badge-design\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Secret Service debuts new badge for all personnel: \u2018Represents unity\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4634868\/blanche-letter-icc-reject-jurisdiction\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Blanche pens letter to ICC rejecting court\u2019s claim of jurisdiction over US citizens<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute is before U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, and stems from a lawsuit filed by attorney and independent journalist Katie Phang, who alleged the DOJ violated the transparency law by improperly withholding records related to the Epstein investigation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DOJ asked Sullivan to pause further proceedings in <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/docket\/73246595\/phang-v-blanche\/\">Phang v. Blanche<\/a> <\/em>for nearly two months if he determines additional disclosures are required, saying the solicitor general\u2019s office needs time to evaluate whether to appeal such an order.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acting Attorney General <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/todd-blanche\/\">Todd Blanche<\/a>, through DOJ attorneys, argued the department has already \u201cdevoted incredible time and resources\u201d to reviewing more than 6 million documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs will become apparent, it would contravene the settled application of the EFTA for the Department to produce unredacted versions of many of the records at issue, and nothing requires that result,\u201d Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward wrote in the filing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The department said the disputed records fall under statutory exemptions allowing officials to withhold information identifying victims or material that could compromise an ongoing federal investigation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the contested records are at least eight email exchanges involving Epstein discussing a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4626044\/doj-order-epstein-files-unredacted-torture-video\/\">purported \u201ctorture video\u201d<\/a> and sexual activity with young women, including minors, as well as FBI interview materials involving a woman who alleged she was abused by President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"4\">Donald Trump<\/a> as a minor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Woodward said the department concealed senders and recipients in several emails because they contained victims\u2019 names or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/as-veterans-learned-the-dccc-had-leaked-their-data-the-vas-tech-chief-was-meeting-with-his-wife-she-runs-the-dccc\/\" title=\"As Veterans Learned the DCCC Had Leaked Their Data, the VA\u2019s Tech Chief Was Meeting With His Wife. She Runs the DCCC.\">private email addresses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne of the complicating aspects of administering the EFTA is that many communications written by victims, without context, can appear disturbing on their face,\u201d Woodward wrote. \u201cConsistent with that statutory authority, the Department has sought to prevent [personally identifiable information of victims] from becoming public even in instances where the victims eventually became complicit or engaged in reprehensible activity or communications.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DOJ also said it could not produce an unredacted draft indictment from the Southern District of Florida because the original photocopy already contained redactions and officials \u201chave not been able to locate an unredacted version.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Separately, the department said certain handwritten FBI interview notes could not be released because of \u201ctechnical limitations\u201d preventing officials from ensuring the materials are fully stripped of victims\u2019 personally identifying information.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4626044\/doj-order-epstein-files-unredacted-torture-video\/\">JUDGE ORDERS DOJ TO UNREDACT EPSTEIN FILES RELATED TO TRUMP AND \u2018TORTURE VIDEO\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than release additional records publicly, the DOJ offered to provide Sullivan with more detailed explanations during closed-door proceedings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This most recent filing from Woodward marks the latest defense by the DOJ of its handling of the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/epstein-files\/\">Epstein files<\/a>, which have drawn bipartisan criticism over the pace and scope of the disclosures related to the convicted sex offender and those associated with him.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not immediately clear whether Sullivan will accept the DOJ\u2019s request after he previously found Blanche \u201cconceded\u201d to violating the law on releasing the files. A DOJ spokesperson previously said Blanche \u201chas not conceded anything\u201d and said the DOJ has \u201cproduced all responsive documents and will appeal this decision with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DOJ urges judge to reject more Epstein records, requests 60-day extension<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2633,"featured_media":2623513,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AP26042042046261.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[9006,5045,4901,4431,12404],"class_list":["post-2623512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-epstein","tag-government","tag-justice","tag-legal","tag-transparency"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AP26042042046261.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2633"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2623512"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2623516,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2623512\/revisions\/2623516"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2623513"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2623512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2623512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2623512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}