NEW: DOJ sent Congress a six-page “report,” as required by Section 3 of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. But DOJ’s list of “government officials” and “politically exposed persons” included in the produced materials is, like the redactions themselves, too much and not enough. 1/
On one hand, the letter is missing multiple boldfaced names — like former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland and Steve Tisch — who are under fire because of their dealings with Epstein. 2/
And on the other? The inclusion of pop cultural figures who died decades ago, including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson. 3/
And all of those names obscure the parts of the letter that are less salacious but more significant, starting with the confirmation that more files will not be released. 4/
Following on Blanche’s release-day presser and Bondi’s testimony this week, the letter states DOJ redacted & withheld materials for a reason not recognized under the Act itself: to protect against the revelation of DOJ’s own internal “deliberate process.” 5/
And then there is DOJ’s insistence — repeatedly contradicted by Epstein survivors — that DOJ is “steadfast in its commitment to protecting victims” and that its redaction review is ongoing. 6/
All told, the letter likely will do little to quell Congress’s anger toward DOJ or convince the survivors their voices matter at Main Justice. And it seems like the ball’s in Congress’s court. FIN.
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