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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Lawmakers who urged the Department of Justice to make public Epstein files are unhappy with its recent release of prominent names found in three million documents, arguing that the DOJ is intentionally being unclear in order to shield individuals linked closely with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. On Saturday evening, the DOJ sent a six-page letter to Congress that included names of celebrities, politicians, business figures and others who were mentioned at least once in these files. However, this extensive list did not clarify how these individuals are connected to Epstein and his accomplice. The names included President Donald Trump, who had been friends with Epstein but ended their relationship before his 2008 Florida conviction. It also listed seemingly unrelated people like Marilyn Monroe-who passed away when Epstein was just nine years old-and Janis Joplin, who died back in 1970. “The DOJ is once again purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email,” Rep. Ro Khanna, one of lawmakers spearheading this initiative said on X. “To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar-who went to prison for sexually abusing hundreds of young women and child pornography-with no clarification about how either was mentioned in these files is absurd,” Khanna added. open image in gallery Among those named in the DOJ’s letter are Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe despite having no real connections with Epstein (AP) Khanna urged the DOJ “to stop protecting predators” and release all documents while only redacting survivors’ names. The Independent has reached out for comment from the Justice Department. The letter-which was mandated under the Epstein Files Transparency Act-was directed at members of both House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that they had “released ‘all records, documents, communications and investigative materials’ related to’ Epstein,” indicating it would be their final disclosure. The document included names deemed “politically exposed persons” referenced at least once. However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche pointed out that lawmakers never defined what this term means. This led to celebrities like Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Cher and Beyonce being listed simply because their names came up in emails without any indication they had ties or even knew Epstein personally. Current lawmakers may also find themselves among those mentioned due to being cited in DOJ press releases or FBI daily updates.
open image in gallery
Celebrities or politicians who’ve met Epstein-or say they were unaware of his actions-are featured alongside former President Bill Clinton (Reuters)
“So one loser sends another loser a NEWS ARTICLE with my name in it and now this cover-up crew at DOJ wants me lumped together with Donald Trump,” Rep. Eric Swalwell wrote on X.
Other lawmakers joined calls for additional transparency despite signals from DOJ that this three-million-document release would be final regarding everything related to Epstein files.“Nancy Mace-a Republican representative actively pursuing transparency about Epsteins case-said she believes there are “missing names” from that list while promising continued advocacy for further disclosures. I want you all aware regarding tonight’s released memo from DOJ: Citing ‘Work Product Privilege’ won’t prevent them from sharing all pertinent information about Epsteins files,” Mace asserted. “If they can provide certain names now then there should definitely exist unredacted versions accessible too,” she argued. “I’m not buying into this narrative whatsoever; neither should any American! I reviewed their so-called ‘unredacted’ files yesterday where HUNDREDS remain entirely blacked out,” Rep. Laura Friedman expressed through her post on X.
open image within galleryKhanna (left) stands alongside Massie (center), two legislators advocating full disclosure regarding Epsteins documentation matters (Getty)
While over three million documents have already been released initially officials indicated up towards six million could potentially come forth later down line-as some materials retain withholding status adhering eligibility criteria established legislatively which includes safeguarding medical privacy associated victims , containing graphic depictions concerning child sexual abuse , involved ongoing legal pursuits alongside several reasons why.Members within Congress including Khanna & co-sponsor Thomas Massie viewed unfiltered versions existing held by department asserting Bondi & officials deliberately omitted powerful individual identities looking shield them facing prosecution.
No individuals identified throughout listing faced charges corresponding directly relating either against epstein maxwell misconduct acts apart solely self. Mentioning anyone within respect primarily indicates did partake involvement whatsoever otherwise recognize wrongdoings stemming specifically linked incidents occurred previously.Epstein tragically took his life during trial awaiting period inside new York correctional facility back during year twenty nineteen meanwhile maxwell currently endures imprisonment serving two decades sentenced related offenses trafficking minors sexually exploiting them improperly.’
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