Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Justice Department opposes special master for Epstein files
The U.S. Justice Department has asked a judge to deny a request by two lawmakers, Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, to appoint a special master to oversee the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The lawmakers argue that the Justice Department has been slow in releasing these documents, which it is required to do by law.
The Justice Department, however, says that the lawmakers do not have the legal right to make this request.
The department is still reviewing millions of pages of documents and has until late January to complete the process.
Ghislaine Maxwell, who was involved with Epstein, is already serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal judge to deny a request by Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie for a special master to monitor the release of Epstein-related records.
Khanna and Massie argue that the Justice Department has not fully complied with a law requiring the release of all Epstein-related records by December 19.
The Justice Department contends that the lawmakers lack standing and authority to make this request.
The department has 5.2 million pages of Epstein files left to review, involving 400 lawyers from four different offices.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for aiding Epstein in sexually abusing underage girls.
- Who
- U.S. Justice Department, U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer
- What
- Request for a special master to monitor the release of Epstein-related records
- When
- January 17, 2024
- Where
- New York, USA
- Why
- To ensure compliance with a law requiring the release of all Epstein-related records
- Parties Involved
- U.S. Justice Department, U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jay Clayton, Ghislaine Maxwell
- Documents in Question
- Records tied to Jeffrey Epstein
- Legal Requirement
- DOJ must release all Epstein-related records by December 19
- DOJ's Argument
- Khanna and Massie lack standing and authority to request a special master
- DOJ's Progress
- 5.2 million pages of Epstein files left to review, 400 lawyers involved
- Maxwell's Sentence
- 20-year prison sentence for aiding Epstein