US EditionJustice Department asks federal judge to deny special master for Epstein files
The DOJ argues lawmakers lack standing and courts lack authority to appoint a special master despite concerns over slow and incomplete release of Epstein documents.
- On January 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice asked a New York federal judge to deny Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie's request for a special master and filed a motion to block an independent monitor.
- After December 19, 2025, lawmakers pressed for oversight because Congress's Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates releases that critics say are incomplete and heavily redacted.
- The DOJ said it still has 5.2 million pages to review and needs 400 lawyers to process them, noting some files were withheld due to Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year prison sentence.
- The DOJ has filed motions to block a monitor before oversight begins, arguing federal courts lack authority to compel disclosures under the Epstein Transparency Act, Meidas Touch reported.
- After the DOJ said it found more files and amid reports of botched redactions, analysts and politicians seeking an independent monitor include Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative , and Thomas Massie, U.S. Representative , who called for a 'special master'.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Epstein files fight in court heats up as congressmen accuse DOJ of 'serious misconduct'
Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor said Friday that a judge lacks the authority to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents in the sex trafficking probe of financier Jeffrey Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer was told in a letter signed by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton that he must reject a request this week by the congressional cosponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act to appo…
DOJ asks federal judge to reject appointment of special master in Epstein files case
DOJ argues that Massie and Khanna lack legal standing to seek the appointment of a special master or independent monitor in the ongoing effort to fulfill statutory disclosure requirements.
Spectrum Local News
DOJ seeks to block independent monitor for release of remaining Epstein files
In a separate filing Thursday, Justice Department officials said more than 500 people have been involved in the effort to review remaining records.
Justice Department asks federal judge to deny special master for Epstein files
The U.S. Justice Department has asked a New York federal judge to deny a request by two lawmakers seeking an appointment of a special master to monitor the public release of records tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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