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By Anna Commander
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Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California said that Attorney General Pam Bondi could be "held in inherent contempt of Congress" or would be "subject to impeachment" if files related to Jeffrey Epstein are not released by this week's deadline.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) via online form on Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
The anticipated imminent release of documents related to the late sex offender Epstein, compelled by bipartisan congressional action and signed into law by President Donald Trump, has reignited debate over transparency in high-profile federal investigations.
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Bondi is tasked with overseeing the disclosure, drawing scrutiny from both parties amid fears that political considerations or ongoing investigations could delay or limit the public release. The extraordinary consensus behind the Epstein Files Transparency Act shown by Congress reflects intense public and legislative demand for a full accounting of Epstein’s connections and activities.
What To Know
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed with near-unanimous bipartisan votes in both chambers, mandates the release of all files on Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including travel records and communications, by December 19, 2025. Exemptions allow for redaction to protect victims' identities and ongoing federal investigations.
As the deadline approached, House Democrats released a new batch of 68 images from Epstein’s estate, depicting influential figures such as Noam Chomsky, Steve Bannon, and Bill Gates, among others. The House Oversight Committee acquired thousands of images connected to the case, with newly revealed materials encompassing photographs, site plans for Epstein’s Caribbean property, and redacted personal documents. There is no indication of wrongdoing by those pictured.
In a video posted to X by Khanna, he highlights the Friday deadline of midnight that is looming.
"Three federal judges have ordered the release of all of these files in Maxwell and Epstein's grand jury. Here is the reality, any Justice Department official who does not comply with this law will be subject to prosecution for obstruction of justice. If Pam Bondi does not comply with the law, she will be held either in inherent contempt of Congress or subject to impeachment. We will not rest until the law is complied with and justice is served."
In a lengthy video post on X, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said in part, "Let's say they try the old tactic of running the clock out until the end of this Congress, which is about a year from now. That won't work because, in fact what can happen is a new attorney general can bring charges against a former attorney general."
Massie also said later that "there are penalties," if Bondi does not comply.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on X on Wednesday: "Reminder that the Epstein Files are supposed to be released on Friday and every political development that you see between now until then should be viewed with that in mind."
Khanna on X on Thursday: "I have long said the contents of the Epstein Files will shock the conscience of our nation. The deadline to release the files is tomorrow, @AGPamBondi."
Trump on Truth Social, in part, announcing he signed the bill in November: "As everyone knows, I asked Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to pass this Bill in the House and Senate, respectively. Because of this request, the votes were almost unanimous in favor of passage. At my direction, the Department of Justice has already turned over close to fifty thousand pages of documents to Congress. Do not forget — The Biden Administration did not turn over a SINGLE file or page related to Democrat Epstein, nor did they ever even speak about him. Democrats have used the 'Epstein' issue, which affects them far more than the Republican Party, in order to try and distract from our AMAZING Victories, including THE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TAX CUT BILL, Strong Borders, No Men in Women’s Sports or Transgender for Everyone, ending DEI, stopping Biden’s Record Setting Inflation, lowering Prices, Biggest Tax and Regulation Cuts in History, ending EIGHT Wars, rebuilding our Military, knocking out Iran’s Nuclear capability, getting Trillions of Dollars INVESTED in the U.S.A., creating the 'HOTTEST' Country anywhere in the World, and even delivering a HUGE DEFEAT to the Democrats on the recent Shutdown Disaster."
What Happens Next
The Justice Department has until Friday, December 19, 2025, to publish the Epstein files.
Any potential delays or disputes over redactions and exclusions could lead to further congressional hearings or legal actions. Congress is set to return from recess in January, at which point additional oversight and political debate around the files' completeness and transparency may resume.
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