Judge Threatens DOJ Contempt Over Withheld Epstein Files
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan told Justice Department lawyers Thursday they could face contempt for defying two court orders to release Epstein files. The warning came at a public hearing in journalist Katie Phang's lawsuit against Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- Sullivan said: 'That's not a threat. That's a promise.'
- 7 months have passed since the court first ordered document production.
- DOJ attorney Andrew Block said he had no date for publishing the required redaction log.
- $1,000-per-day fines have been requested by Phang for each day of noncompliance.
Why it matters: Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act requiring the DOJ to release investigation records and publish a full redaction log. Sullivan ruled in June the DOJ had violated that law.
- Disputed documents include FBI interview notes from a woman who made unsubstantiated allegations against Trump, which Trump has denied.
- Other contested materials include names in eight emails discussing women and the names of alleged Epstein co-conspirators in a draft indictment.
How 7 sources split on this story
Where they split: The core dispute is whether the DOJ's stated reasons — victim protection and document duplication — are legally sufficient under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, or are pretexts for noncompliance.
Left coverage, 5 sources: The left frames the hearing as evidence of deliberate DOJ stonewalling to protect Trump and his allies, highlighting the judge's visible frustration and the DOJ lawyer's apparent unpreparedness.
The Independent2hTrump’s DOJ could be held in contempt over unredacted Epstein files, judge says: ‘It’s not a threat. It’s a promise’
Raw Story1h'That isn't a threat': Blistering warning as Trump DOJ inches toward contempt charge
AlterNet2h'Not a threat — it's a promise': Judge says he'll hold DOJ in contempt
ABC News3hJudge to press DOJ to explain Epstein files redactions, withheld materials related to Trump
CNN13mEpstein judge: ‘The public has a right to know what the hell is going on’What’s next: Sullivan will review a second binder of DOJ materials in a closed session with attorneys present.
- If Sullivan rejects the DOJ's arguments, the government would likely appeal before any documents are released.
- Will Sullivan find the DOJ's additional submissions sufficient to justify the remaining redactions?
- If contempt is pursued, would it target the department or individual lawyers, including Blanche?
- What names or information do the withheld documents actually contain?