Diyar Güldoğan
31 January 2026•Update: 31 January 2026
WASHINGTON
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Friday slammed the Justice Department’s (DOJ) latest release of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
"Now this morning, we got news that another tranche of Epstein files was released by the DOJ. But these releases raise far more questions than answers. There's a lot here that does not add up," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
His remarks came after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the department is releasing more than 3 million pages of records related to its investigation into Epstein.
Speaking at a news conference, Blanche said the release includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, adding that the Trump administration has produced roughly 3.5 million pages to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Schumer questioned whether the department had truly released all relevant materials, as it claims, asking whether the disclosure includes co‑conspirator memos, corporate protection memos, and original Palm Beach Police Department reports tied to the Epstein investigation.
Schumer also raised concerns about whether the release includes complete information on all 10 Epstein co‑conspirators referenced in the newly disclosed documents. “Is every one of those 10 included? And if not, why not?” he asked.
He further pointed to inconsistencies in the department's accounting of the records, noting that officials have said they collected roughly six million pages, while only three million pages have reportedly been released. “What happened to the other three million?” he asked. “What’s in them?”
The Democrat also demanded clarity on whether every document referencing President Donald Trump had been disclosed. "Yes or no? We need answers," he said.
Stressing that the administration is now more than 40 days past a legal deadline to release all Epstein-related files, Schumer said.
Last December, the department said it would release the documents "as soon as possible" after the review as part of its obligations under the act, which was signed Nov. 19, as well as existing federal statutes and court orders.
"Why haven't the whole thing been released? And why are there so many holes, missing pieces, unanswered questions when it comes to the release of the Epstein files. The longer Pam Bondi hides the truth from the American people, the more the American people ask, 'what are they trying to hide?'," he said.
Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He pleaded guilty in a court in the state of Florida and was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008, but critics call the minor conviction a “sweetheart deal.”
His victims have alleged that he operated a sprawling sex trafficking network that was used by members of the wealthy and political elite.
Epstein’s case has remained a politically charged issue in the US, with lawmakers and victims’ advocates from across the spectrum demanding greater transparency about his network of associates and any individuals who may have facilitated his crimes.
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. Their past social and business ties, as well as Epstein’s extensive links to political, business and academic figures in the US and abroad, have fueled calls for the broad release of official records.
