DOJ to Begin Releasing Epstein Files to Congress by Friday, Following House Subpoenas

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has agreed to commence providing documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation to the House Oversight Committee, with the initial release expected to begin this Friday. This development follows a subpoena issued by the committee on August 5, 2025, demanding comprehensive files on Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The move marks a significant step towards increased transparency after months of public and political pressure.

Prominent national security attorney Mark S. Zaid, a long-standing advocate for government transparency, underscored the importance of this release, tweeting simply, "> #FreeTheFiles." Zaid, known for his work with whistleblowers and his focus on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation, has consistently championed the public's right to access government records. His recent legal challenges include a lawsuit filed in May 2025 against the Executive Office of the President concerning the revocation of his security clearance, highlighting his ongoing commitment to government accountability.

The House Oversight Committee's subpoena was the result of a bipartisan effort, with several Republican lawmakers joining Democrats to compel the DOJ to release the records. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) indicated that the process would be gradual due to the extensive volume of documents and the necessity of redacting sensitive information, including victim identities and child sexual abuse material. This commitment to public disclosure comes after the Trump administration's earlier stance in July that no further Epstein material disclosure was "appropriate or warranted," which had drawn widespread criticism.

The subpoena also sought depositions from numerous high-profile individuals, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and former Attorneys General, signaling a broad congressional inquiry into the handling of the Epstein case. The DOJ's decision to comply with the subpoena represents a shift from previous resistance and is expected to provide new insights into the long-running investigation that has captivated public attention and fueled various conspiracy theories. The release of these files aims to address lingering questions and ensure greater accountability surrounding the notorious financier's activities.