Judge orders DOJ to detail Maxwell file releases by Wednesday
Federal Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ordered the Justice Department to file by noon Wednesday (Nov. 26) a letter identifying which Ghislaine Maxwell case materials covered by prior secrecy orders it intends to make public under the new Epstein Files Transparency Act. Engelmayer set a briefing schedule — victims and Maxwell may respond by Dec. 3 and the DOJ must reply by Dec. 10 — and a parallel schedule was set in the separate Epstein matter by Judge Richard Berman as the DOJ presses to unseal grand jury and discovery materials within the statute’s 30‑day framework.
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📌 Key Facts
- Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ordered the Justice Department to file by noon Wednesday, Nov. 26, a letter identifying which Ghislaine Maxwell trial materials subject to prior secrecy or protective orders it intends to make public; Maxwell and victims may respond by Dec. 3 and DOJ must reply by Dec. 10, with a prompt ruling to follow.
- In a parallel proceeding, Judge Richard M. Berman (SDNY) set a schedule for Epstein grand‑jury materials—victims and Epstein’s estate must respond by Dec. 3 and DOJ must reply by Dec. 8—and a federal judge has estimated the full universe of records at roughly 100,000 pages.
- DOJ filed renewed motions in federal court (including submissions by SDNY AUSA Manolo Reboso and signed by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton) arguing the new Epstein Files Transparency Act overrides grand‑jury secrecy and protective orders and requesting expedited rulings and relief so the department can meet the statute’s disclosure timetable.
- Congress passed, and President Trump signed, the Epstein Files Transparency Act after an overwhelming House vote and unanimous Senate consent; the law directs DOJ, the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to publish all unclassified Epstein‑related records within 30 days of enactment, including investigative/prosecutorial materials, flight logs, travel records, detention/death records, internal communications, and discovery about immunity deals.
- The statute forbids withholding records for 'embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity,' but it allows redactions and narrow exemptions for victims’ personally identifiable information, child‑sexual‑abuse material, classified national‑security information, and materials that could jeopardize active investigations or prosecutions—exemptions that could delay or heavily redact some releases.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said DOJ will comply and post the records in a searchable online format, even as DOJ and the administration have opened new investigations that some lawmakers warn could be used to limit or delay public disclosures.
- The floor action forcing the vote was triggered by a bipartisan discharge petition that reached 218 after Rep.‑elect Adelita Grijalva was sworn in on Nov. 12 and immediately signed; the effort was led by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie and included four House Republicans (Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace) joining all House Democrats.
- Political dynamics: President Trump publicly reversed earlier opposition—urging Republicans to back the bill ('we have nothing to hide') and signing it—while Speaker Mike Johnson moved to bring the measure to the floor but said he expects the Senate to consider changes to strengthen victim protections; survivors and bipartisan lawmakers pressed for swift, unaltered disclosure.
📊 Relevant Data
Jeffrey Epstein is estimated to have victimized over 1,000 women and children, predominantly teenage girls.
Epstein victimized 1,000 women, children. Survivors have a message. — USA Today
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell allegedly specified that recruited victims should be white and easy to control.
Maxwell, Epstein had race criteria when procuring young girls: accuser — New York Post
Sexual-assault victimization rates are 12 times higher among individuals from households making less than $7,500 compared to those making more than $75,000, contributing to why Epstein could target disadvantaged girls.
How Jeffrey Epstein allegedly targeted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who were most vulnerable to abuse — MarketWatch
Nearly 200 names of high-profile individuals are linked to Jeffrey Epstein in court documents.
Nearly 200 names linked to Jeffrey Epstein expected to be made public — The Guardian
📊 Analysis & Commentary (4)
Why Trump can never win on Epstein
"POLITICO's Playbook argues that Trump’s abrupt flip to back releasing the Epstein files has made passage likely but won’t save him politically — legal exceptions and persistent conspiracy beliefs mean the White House will remain exposed even if documents are handed over."
Tuesday discussion post
"The Slow Boring post comments on the House’s near‑unanimous 427–1 passage of a bill forcing release of Epstein‑related records (noting Clay Higgins as the lone dissenter) and contrasts that accountability moment with President Trump’s high‑profile meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, framing the vote as a major bipartisan push for transparency amid competing presidential priorities."
Is Trump Starting to Correct His Course?
"Karl Rove’s brief commentary highlights President Trump’s about‑face on the bipartisan Epstein‑records bill as a welcome example of ‘correcting course,’ framing the reversal as a positive, pragmatic political turn."
Jeffrey Epstein: A comprehensive timeline
"A Slow Boring timeline and deep‑dive that welcomes the Epstein Files Transparency Act but warns Trump’s signature and the 30‑day deadline won’t necessarily produce full, unredacted public records—context, redactions, and political spin will determine what the public actually learns."
📰 Sources (53)
Judge gives Justice Department a day to detail Ghislaine Maxwell trial materials to be released
New information:
- Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ordered DOJ to file by noon Wednesday (Nov. 26) a letter detailing which Maxwell case materials under prior secrecy orders it intends to make public.
- Engelmayer reiterated briefing: victims/Maxwell responses due Dec. 3 and DOJ reply due Dec. 10, with a ruling to follow promptly.
- In the separate Epstein case, Judge Richard M. Berman set a parallel schedule: victims and Epstein’s estate must respond by Dec. 3, and DOJ must reply by Dec. 8.
- DOJ’s request covers grand jury records, exhibits, and discovery materials and is aimed at meeting the Epstein Files Transparency Act’s Dec. 19 deadline for searchable releases.
DOJ files motion to unseal Epstein docs in latest step toward release
New information:
- In the Maxwell case, the judge set a briefing schedule: Maxwell’s position due Dec. 3; victims may submit letters by Dec. 3; DOJ response due Dec. 10.
- DOJ is also asking to lift or modify protective orders blocking release of discovery materials, not just grand jury records.
- DOJ argues the new Epstein Files Transparency Act expressly overrides grand jury secrecy provisions and prior court denials.
- The judge acknowledged the law’s 30‑day deadline for Attorney General Pam Bondi to release unclassified materials.
DOJ renews request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein grand jury materials
New information:
- SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton signed the renewed submission in Manhattan federal court seeking an expedited ruling.
- DOJ argues Congress’s new law overrides existing grand jury secrecy rules and compels release within 30 days of the president’s signature.
- Judge Richard Berman’s August denial is detailed: DOJ already has ~100,000 pages of files versus roughly 70 pages of grand jury materials; he called the GJ content a hearsay snippet.
- Specifics of the 2019 grand jury: the only live witness was an FBI agent with mostly hearsay testimony on June 18 and July 2, 2019; the presentation also included a PowerPoint and a call log; grand jurors voted to indict on July 2.
Trump signs bill to release Epstein files, but it's not clear how much will be made public
New information:
- CBS reiterates the statute requires DOJ to release all unclassified Epstein-related materials within 30 days, not just court-sealed grand jury items.
- Adds that AG Pam Bondi can redact material that could identify victims or jeopardize ongoing investigations, clarifying the redaction scope beyond victim identities.
DOJ revives push to release Epstein grand jury records
New information:
- DOJ filed a Friday motion arguing the Epstein Files Transparency Act does not exempt all grand jury transcripts and requires their public production.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Manolo Reboso is the filer, asserting disclosure is mandated, with appropriate redactions for victims and PII.
- DOJ requested an expedited ruling to meet the mid-December 30-day deadline set by the Act.
- The filing follows earlier defeats in Florida and New York where judges said DOJ hadn’t met the high bar to unseal grand jury materials; DOJ now says the new law changes the calculus.
- Trump publicly urged AG Pam Bondi to produce pertinent grand jury testimony, subject to court approval.
Trump caps week of surprises — signing release of Epstein files, embracing unlikely allies at White House
New information:
- Trump’s Truth Social post claims DOJ has already turned over 'close to fifty thousand pages' of Epstein-related documents to Congress.
- Trump publicly credits Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for swift passage at his request.
- Confirms House vote tally (421–1) and that the Senate cleared the measure by unanimous consent on Tuesday.
WATCH LIVE: White House holds news briefing after Trump signs release of Epstein files
New information:
- The law bars DOJ from withholding Epstein records due to 'embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.'
- Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) was the lone House 'no' vote, citing concerns about releasing information on innocent people.
- The White House summoned Rep. Lauren Boebert to the Situation Room last week to discuss the bill; she did not change her support.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt scheduled a briefing for 1 p.m. ET following the signing.
- Trump posted that Democrats were using the issue as a distraction and said he reversed course to keep focus on GOP 'victories.'
Fighting it for months, Trump signs bill to release Jeffrey Epstein case files
New information:
- Identifies Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) as the lone House 'no' vote on the bill (427–1).
- Reports the administration summoned Rep. Lauren Boebert to the Situation Room last week to discuss the measure before passage.
- Includes Trump’s stated rationale for his U‑turn in social posts, saying the issue had become a distraction from GOP priorities.
- Specifies the law compels release of all Epstein-related files and communications, including information about the 2019 prison‑death investigation.
Trump signs Epstein files bill, but some key details could be withheld
New information:
- CBS reports the administration has launched investigations that could allow DOJ to withhold or delay some information under the law’s exceptions.
- Specifies potential release contents including flight logs, witness interviews, and details of immunity deals.
- Reiterates Attorney General Pam Bondi’s 30‑day deadline to release unclassified records and investigative materials.
What's next now that Trump has signed a bill releasing the Epstein files
New information:
- Sen. Chuck Schumer said the law is a 'command' for full transparency and warned Democrats will push back against any noncompliance.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said DOJ will follow the law with 'maximum transparency' while protecting victims.
- A federal judge has estimated the records total around 100,000 pages.
- President Trump reversed prior opposition and signed the bill, and framed Democrats as exploiting the issue in a social media post.
- Article specifies exemptions including victims' personally identifiable information, child sexual abuse materials, classified national security information, and materials that could jeopardize active investigations/prosecutions.
Trump says he's signed bill to release Epstein files
New information:
- President Trump says he has signed the Epstein files bill into law.
- The law requires DOJ to release Epstein-related files within 30 days of enactment.
- Trump announced the signing in a Truth Social post and referenced prominent Democrats.
Epstein files to go public as Trump says he signed law authorizing release of records
New information:
- Trump claims the DOJ has already turned over close to 50,000 pages of Epstein-related documents to Congress at his direction.
- Identifies Rep. Clay Higgins as the lone House 'no' vote and notes Speaker Mike Johnson’s concerns that releases could deter whistleblowers and expose undercover officers.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi says DOJ will comply and release the files online in a searchable format, consistent with the law’s directive.
- Article reiterates Senate passage by unanimous consent and outlines specific categories eligible for redaction (victims’ identities, CSAM, classified materials, active investigations).
Epstein messages show effort to connect with former friend Bill Gates
New information:
- CBS notes the bill requires DOJ to release nearly all Epstein investigative files within 30 days of enactment.
- States that President Trump has indicated he will sign the bill.
'Stone-cold liar': Top House Dem lashes out at Comer for accusing him of soliciting Epstein donations
New information:
- Hakeem Jeffries publicly denied Rep. James Comer’s allegation and called him a 'stone-cold liar,' rejecting claims he met or took money from Jeffrey Epstein.
- Comer alleged emails among roughly 65,000 DOJ-produced pages to the House Oversight Committee show fundraisers tried to arrange a private Jeffries–Epstein meeting in 2013.
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed the House 427–1 and the Senate unanimously; it gives DOJ 30 days to comply with disclosure requirements.
- Fox News notes the Oversight Committee’s received DOJ materials are not public, and the Transparency Act is expected to compel broader releases.
Why the Epstein files won't be released as soon as the law is signed
New information:
- Speaker Mike Johnson said the president has concerns about the Epstein files bill and did not rule out a veto.
- President Trump has not yet signed the bill; if vetoed, Congress would need a two‑thirds override despite strong initial vote margins (House 427–1; Senate unanimous).
- Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed DOJ opened a new investigation into Epstein’s ties to 'people and institutions,' explicitly including Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers.
- The bill’s exemptions for 'active investigations' and 'national security' could delay or heavily redact releases; the law says such withholdings must be 'narrowly tailored and temporary.'
- Rep. Thomas Massie warned the new DOJ probe could be a 'smokescreen' to prevent disclosure; former WH lawyer Ty Cobb said DOJ could use it to avoid releases.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune is quoted deeming the legislation 'sufficient,' countering earlier suggestions of Senate concerns.
Epstein bill heading to Trump's desk after clearing final hurdle in Congress
New information:
- House formally transmitted the bill to the Senate on Wednesday morning, completing the final procedural step before it goes to the president’s desk.
- CBS notes the Senate unanimously approved the bill even before formal House transmission, then deemed it passed upon receipt.
- Trump initially opposed releasing the files but reversed course on Sunday, urging Republicans to support the bill and is now expected to sign.
- Bill language highlighted: survivors’ personal information and other sensitive material may be withheld or redacted, with explanations to Congress.
Dems may have an advantage in the 2026 midterms. And, Trump defends Saudi crown prince
New information:
- The bill requires DOJ, the FBI, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to publicly release unclassified Epstein-related records within 30 days of the president’s signature.
- Trump said he would sign the bill but called the intense focus on the files a 'Democratic hoax' and pledged to emphasize Democrats named in the records.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: House votes to release Epstein files
New information:
- House approved the measure 427–1 to force DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein files.
- Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) was the lone "no" vote.
- Several Epstein survivors were present in the chamber and cheered after passage.
- The effort was led in a bipartisan fashion by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) following a months-long pressure campaign.
Senate unanimously agrees to send bill demanding Epstein file release to Trump's desk
New information:
- The Senate agreed by unanimous consent to advance the Epstein files bill, avoiding a roll-call vote.
- Sen. John Thune said Republicans moved the bill through the hotline process and aimed to clear it before the Thanksgiving recess.
- The bill will go to President Trump for signature once formal transmission is complete; Trump signaled support over the weekend.
Schumer says he'll move to pass Epstein bill 'immediately' in Senate
New information:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will move to have the Senate “immediately” take up and pass the House’s Epstein files bill once it passes.
- Schumer warned he would try to block Majority Leader John Thune if Thune attempts to delay or bury the bill.
- It remains unclear whether Thune will bring the measure up right away.
+ 33 more sources