The passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law by Donald Trump has prompted many to inquire about the reasons behind this decision.
The Trump administration has faced mounting demands to disclose almost all files that the Department of Justice (DOJ) possesses on Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.
Epstein never stood trial, as he was discovered dead in his cell on August 10, 2019, in what appeared to be a suicide.
Epstein’s alleged criminal activities extend back well before his 2019 charges. The initial criminal investigation into him began in 2005 following accusations of sexual abuse of underage girls.
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor under the age of 18. He accepted a plea deal that resulted in an 18-month prison sentence.
Considering the extensive investigations into Epstein over the years, numerous files related to him are believed to exist. The Trump administration has now agreed to make most of these files public.
However, some documents will remain confidential due to the nature of the investigation. The DOJ has stated that the files include a ‘large volume’ of images and videos of victims and other illegal child abuse material, according to BBC.
Questions are arising about the delay in releasing these files.
One person remarked: “If Trump’s name was all over the files, then why didn’t Biden release them?”
Another echoed this sentiment: “Why didn’t Biden release the Epstein files?”
Elsewhere, US Representative Tim Burchett tweeted: “The Democrats had the Epstein Files for 4 years and never raised the issue and blocked every attempt to release them. 3 Democrat appointed Judges blocked it.”
However, the delay in releasing the Epstein files is not politically motivated. The files remained undisclosed because investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2022, were ongoing during Biden’s tenure.
Investigative journalist Julie K. Brown clarified to Burchett: “Again…the Epstein case was still an OPEN criminal investigation during the Biden administration.”
Brown elaborated: “They had an open grand jury … And even after Maxwell’s conviction, the case was on appeal – anyone in law enforcement knows you don’t open your case file when it’s still under appeal.”
“There were still victims going to the FBI with new information. That changed when Trump’s DOJ reviewed the files and closed the case in July.”
PBS corroborates Brown’s assertions, explaining that an attorney general can withhold information that ‘would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary.’
Merrick Garland, Biden’s attorney general, has claimed no knowledge of the controversial Epstein files after being subpoenaed by The House Oversight Committee earlier this year.
The subpoena has since been rescinded.