skip to contentAdvertisementOfficials say some material has been withheld to protect victims, avoid disrupting active investigations, or prevent the release of abusive images.By: Express Web Desk December 20, 2025 04:57 AM IST First published on: Dec 20, 2025 at 04:37 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookAudrey Strauss, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, points to a photo of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, during a news conference in New York on July 2, 2020. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)The US justice department has released thousands of pages of documents linked to its investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following months of political pressure and a legal deadline.The files were made public late on Friday under a new law passed by Congress, but large sections remain redacted. Officials say some material has been withheld to protect victims, avoid disrupting active investigations, or prevent the release of abusive images.What has been releasedThe documents were uploaded to a dedicated page on the justice department’s website shortly before the deadline. Heavy traffic initially overwhelmed the site, briefly placing users in an online queue.This redacted photo released by the US Department of Justice shows files documented on Aug. 12, 2019, during a search of Jeffrey Epstein’s home on Little St. James island in the US Virgin Islands. (US Department of Justice via AP)One major section is labelled the “Epstein Files Transparency Act”, under which four large datasets containing thousands of documents have been released. Officials said more files could follow in the coming weeks.The material includes court records, emails, photographs and investigative documents connected to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.Story continues below this adFamous names appearSome of the documents that are viewable include images of Epstein socialising with well-known figures, including former US president Bill Clinton and entertainers such as Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger.This redacted photo released by the U.S. Department of Justice shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor laying across several people’s laps with Ghislaine Maxwell standing above. (U.S. Department of Justice via AP)The Guardian reported that other photos released earlier by Congress also showed Epstein with figures including former British royal Prince Andrew, actor Kevin Spacey and comedian Chris Tucker.Being named or pictured in the documents is not evidence of wrongdoing. Many of those mentioned in earlier releases have denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.Why the files were released nowThe release follows the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the justice department to make public all unclassified material linked to Epstein’s investigation and prosecution.Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.Story continues below this adThe law also covers records related to Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein abuse teenage girls and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.However, the legislation allows exceptions for material linked to ongoing investigations or information that could identify victims.Trump under pressureDonald Trump faced sustained pressure from both Republicans and Democrats to allow the files to be released.As reported by the BBC, Trump had previously opposed making the documents public and dismissed scrutiny of his past links to Epstein as a political attack. He later reversed his position as Congress moved closer to passing the bill.Story continues below this adThe White House said the release shows the administration’s commitment to transparency. A spokesperson said it proved the government had “done more for the victims than previous administrations”.Trump has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.Redactions and unanswered questionsExperts have warned that the disclosure may still fall short of public expectations.While the law requires the release of unclassified records, it does not guarantee full transparency. The justice department must now provide Congress with a summary of what was released, what was withheld and why, including a list of public figures named in the material.Story continues below this adAs the Guardian noted, the documents may not offer a complete picture of Epstein’s network or crimes, leaving many questions unresolved despite the scale of the release.(With inputs from agencies)AdvertisementAdvertisementLoading Taboola...