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The release of “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sparked widespread controversy and disappointment.
Attorney General Pam Bondi handed out binders containing the documents to a select group of conservative influencers at the White House, a move that drew sharp criticism for its lack of transparency and professionalism. Critics, including figures from both political sides, slammed the decision to use influencers—such as Jack Posobiec and Liz Wheeler—as intermediaries rather than releasing the files directly to the public. The binders, labeled “declassified,” contained roughly 200 pages of heavily redacted material, including flight logs and a contact list, but offered no significant new details beyond what was already public knowledge.
This lack of fresh revelations fueled accusations that the release was more performative than substantive, failing to meet long-standing demands for accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Adding to the uproar, Bondi accused the FBI’s New York field office of obstructing the process by withholding “thousands of pages” of additional documents. In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, she demanded the complete files on February 28, suggesting internal resistance within the DOJ’s own ranks.
Influencers like Wheeler admitted the contents were underwhelming, while others, such as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, called it a “complete disappointment” for not delivering on promised transparency. The unusual strategy of involving influencers and the absence of bombshell evidence united critics across the spectrum in labeling the rollout as a mishandled spectacle. As of now, the public awaits further releases, but skepticism remains high about whether the DOJ can overcome apparent obstruction and deliver the unfiltered truth.
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