Justice Department says all Epstein files released

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote to Congress over the weekend that her department finished releasing the files it was required to reveal under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release includes any documents, communications, and investigative materials connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein, she said. No records about the wealthy financier and convicted sex offender were withheld based on embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, the Saturday letter noted.

The only records not released included medical files of victims, graphic depictions of child abuse, and other material that would threaten the safety of victims, Bondi wrote.

What was included in Bondi’s latest letter? It also contained a list of around 300 government officials and or politically exposed persons who were named or referenced in the documents. These names appeared in the documents in a variety of contexts, from direct email contacts with Epstein to brief mentions in news articles included in the Epstein files. Some of the names included: President Donald Trump, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Beyonce, Prince Harry, and actor Robert De Niro. A name’s inclusion in the files does not imply wrongdoing or even that the person had direct contact with Epstein.

How has Congress responded? Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who co-wrote the Epstein Files Transparency Act, criticized the Justice Department for the list. In a social media post on Saturday, he said that the list muddied the waters, creating confusion about who was a predator and who was merely mentioned in an email.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie told ABC News’ This Week on Sunday that there were still more crucial files that should be released. Massie, the co-author of the act, said the Justice Department has withheld some internal memos and emails regarding their decisions on whether to prosecute or not prosecute.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Black’s report on Congress’ questions to Bondi during a hearing last week.