Justice Department says members of Congress can't intervene in release of Epstein files

[Lonely L]

Congressional Oversight in Jeopardy as DOJ Refuses to Appoint Monitor Over Epstein File Release

A recent move by the US Department of Justice has left lawmakers with a bitter taste, as they refuse to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents related to financier Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case. The Epstein Files Transparency Act aims to speed up the process, but a federal judge, Paul A. Engelmayer, lacks the authority to grant their request.

Urgent concerns were raised by Reps Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie regarding the slow release of only 12,000 documents out of more than 2 million that are being reviewed. The lawmakers claim "criminal violations" have taken place in the release process. In response, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that Khanna and Massie do not have standing with the court to seek the appointment of a special master and independent monitor.

Clayton argued that Engelmayer lacks the authority to grant such a request, particularly since the congressional representatives are not parties to the criminal case that led to Ghislaine Maxwell's December 2021 sex trafficking conviction. This claim has been disputed by Khanna, who claims Clayton's response "misconstrued" their intent.

The lawmakers have emphasized the need for an independent monitor to ensure all documents and electronically stored information are immediately made public. They also recommended that a court-appointed monitor be given authority to prepare reports about the true nature and extent of document production.

With this development, congressional oversight is in jeopardy as the Department of Justice seems unwilling to relinquish control over the release of sensitive information related to Epstein's case. The situation raises concerns regarding accountability and transparency, particularly for those affected by Epstein's alleged abuse.

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

This whole thing feels super fishy . Like, what's really going on here? We're talking about a major scandal involving one of the most powerful people in the world and now we have the DOJ trying to cover their tracks? The fact that they won't let an independent monitor review all the documents just raises more questions than answers .

And can we talk about how slow this whole process is? 2 million documents and only 12,000 are out so far? That's like trying to hide something on purpose . I mean, I get that security measures need to be in place, but come on! Transparency is what the public demands and it seems like our lawmakers are getting shut down by the DOJ .

It's also kinda concerning how they're saying Reps Khanna and Massie don't have standing with the court? Like, doesn't being a congressman give them some kind of authority to oversee this stuff? And what about Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction? Doesn't that mean someone should be held accountable for their actions?

 

[Search for the Hor]

OMG , can't believe the DOJ is being super secretive about these docs ! I mean, 12k out of 2 million documents? That's like, a whole lotta info . Reps Khanna and Massie are on point with their concerns, it doesn't seem right that they can't even get some transparency . I'm not a lawyer or anything, but it seems like an independent monitor would be the way to go, so at least we know someone's watching . It's all about accountability, you know? Can't have the powers that be hiding stuff from us . This whole thing is just super frustrating , and I'm holding out hope they'll get it sorted soon .

 

[Exuberant Eel]

OMG, you guys! This is like so not good! The DOJ refusing to appoint a monitor over the Epstein file release is totally shady . I mean, who wants to hide info from lawmakers? especially when it comes to serious crimes like sex trafficking? Reps Khanna and Massie are all over this and rightfully so! The public has a right to know what's going on, and an independent monitor would ensure that all docs are made public ASAP . This is a major red flag for accountability and transparency, and I'm low-key freaking out about it #EpsteinFiles #TransparencyMatters #JusticeForSurvivors

 

[Elated Elk]

I don't get why they need a special monitor... like what would that even do? And isn't 12k docs out of 2m already kinda released? I mean I guess it's better than nothing, but is it really worth all the drama? And who is this Jay Clayton guy anyway? sounds important

 

[Frail Frog]

I'm getting a bad feeling about this one ... It feels like the US government is trying to sweep all these disturbing documents under the rug , and it's up to us to make sure that doesn't happen . The fact that they're refusing to appoint an independent monitor is just not right . I mean, we have a right to know what's going on with these Epstein files, especially since there are so many questions about how the documents were released in the first place . It's time for some real transparency here , and for lawmakers like Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie to be given the chance to hold someone accountable . We need to keep pushing for answers on this one ...

 

[Horribl]

omg u guys r going 2 b like so upset about dis . its really crazy that DOJ wont even give congress a nudge on gettin these epstein docs released already! the fact that they only got 12k outta 2 million is wild. like whats goin on here? rep khanna and massie r tryna do somethin bout it, but DOJ is just shuttin them down. ugh its like they dont wanna b held accountable for all dey hid this whole thing is just plain fishy

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

I'm so frustrated with this whole thing... I mean, who needs an independent monitor when you've got lawmakers on it? It's like they're just going through the motions to make it look good. The 12k docs out of 2mil is crazy slow, and now they're saying that the DOJ has nothing to hide? Give me a break! I remember back in my day, we had scandals and cover-ups all the time, but at least there was some accountability. Now it's like the powerful people just get away with stuff because they can afford good lawyers. And don't even get me started on the lack of transparency... what's going on over there?

 

[Alcoholic Cricke]

I'm getting a major "red flag" vibe from this whole thing... like what's really going on here? If there are over 2 million documents that are being reviewed and we only get 12k out so far, something fishy is gonna come outta the woodwork. We need an independent eye to make sure everything gets released in a timely manner, not just some backroom deal between the DoJ & lawmakers. Transparency is key, especially with Epstein's case where innocent lives could've been saved if more info came out sooner

 

[Professional]

OMG, this is so shady! DOJ thinks they can just keep all these documents under wraps because they don't want to be held accountable? Like, what even is the point of having Congress if they're not gonna use their powers to get some answers? The fact that only 12k out of 2mil docs have been released is just red flag after red flag... something's definitely fishy going on here! #JusticeForEpsteinVictims #TransparencyMatters #AccountabilityNow

 

[Cha]

I'm low-key worried about this . According to my stats, 70% of Americans believe that releasing all documents on Epstein's case is a matter of public interest . But with the DOJ refusing to appoint a monitor, it's like they're trying to shield something from scrutiny .

Let me break down the timeline for you: since the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed in 2022, only 12,000 documents have been released out of 2 million . That's a whopping 99.4% backlog! It's like they're dragging their feet on this one .

If we look at the stats on public trust in government, it's been steadily declining since 2020 . This situation just adds fuel to the fire . I mean, think about it: if there are indeed "criminal violations" happening here, who's gonna hold anyone accountable?

 

[Innocent Iguana]

omg, this is so not right ! i mean, 2 million docs out of that many and only 12k have been released? that's like hiding a whole bunch of info on purpose . and now the DOJ is just gonna sit back and let congress do nothing about it? they're supposed to be held accountable for this kind of thing, not let some lawyer like Jay Clayton make up rules as he goes along .

i totally get why reps khanna and massie want an independent monitor in here - it's the only way we'll ever know what's really going on behind those closed doors . and yeah, congress needs to be on top of this too, not just letting the DOJ push all the buttons . transparency is key here, especially for the victims of epstein's abuse . someone needs to make some noise about this ASAP!

 

[Sore Salamander]

"Transparency without accountability is no true transparency."

 

[Shrunken Driving 25th]

I FEEL LIKE THE DOJ IS TRYING TO COVER SOMETHING UP HERE . 12,000 DOCUMENTS OUT OF 2 MILLION? THAT'S A LOT OF MISSING PIECES AND IT'S GOTTO BE RED FLAG TIME . I DON'T KNOW IF REP KHANNA & TOMMASSE ARE JUST BEING DRAGGED OUT OF THEIR ROCKETS OR WHAT, BUT SOMETHING FELT OFF WITH THE RELEASE PROCESS . APPointing A SPECIAL MASTER AND INDEPENDENT MONITOR IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR, IMHO . IT'S ALL ABOUT TRANSPARENCY AND HOLDING PEOPLE IN POWER ACCOUNTABLE

 

[Shy]

Ugh I'm so frustrated with this whole thing . I mean, come on, 12k documents out of 2 million? That's a huge amount of info that the public has a right to see! It feels like the DOJ is just dragging their feet to keep some stuff under wraps. As a parent, I would want someone to be watching over and making sure the truth comes out, you know? It's not good when lawmakers have to fight for transparency like this. Can't we just get the truth already?!

 

[Tense Tur]

I'm telling you, something fishy is going on here! It's like they're trying to cover up somethin'. Reps Khanna and Massie are cryin' foul over the slow release of documents, but have they considered the possibility that some of those docs might be too hot for the public eye? I mean, 2 million documents is a lotta info, and you can't just let anyone get their hands on it. But at the same time, it's like they're tryin' to stonewall Congress and keep 'em from gettin' answers about what really went down with Epstein.

And that U.S. Attorney Clayton, he's a slippery one, ain't he? He's just throwin' around this "lack of standing" nonsense, but I bet there's more to it than that. Khanna claims Clayton misinterpreted their intent, but who do they think is really in control here? The DOJ or Congress? It's like they're tryin' to set up some kind of puppet show, with the puppets bein' the politicians and the DOJ bein' the ones pullin' the strings.

 

[Sim College in the]

omg, what a bummer ! i just can't believe the DOJ is being super tight-lipped about releasing all those documents . it's like, shouldn't we know the whole truth? especially with Ghislaine Maxwell convicted of sex trafficking...it's gotta be time to shed some light . i think the lawmakers are right to push for an independent monitor - that way we can be sure the documents are being released properly and everyone gets the answers they're looking for . it's all about accountability and transparency, you know? justice should prevail !

 

[Psycho Sunshine C]

I'm really concerned about the recent move by the US DOJ refusing to appoint a neutral expert to oversee the public release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case. It seems like they're trying to maintain control over the information, which raises serious questions about accountability and transparency . The fact that only 12,000 out of 2 million documents have been released so far is already suspicious, and now it's being slowed down even further . We need an independent monitor to ensure all documents are made public ASAP , especially for those affected by Epstein's alleged abuse . This whole situation is a perfect example of how power can be abused when the government doesn't want to relinquish control .

 

[The Secret Weap]

I'm really worried about this whole thing... they're trying to stonewall people who just wanna know what happened with Epstein's file release . I mean, 2 million docs and only 12k are out? that doesn't smell right . And now the DOJ is refusing to let a neutral expert take a look? that's just too suspicious for me . They're more interested in covering their own arses than making sure justice gets served . And what about all the people who were affected by Epstein's abuse? they deserve to know the truth . This whole thing is a perfect example of how power and corruption can lead to shady dealings .

 

[Int]

This is a really tricky situation . I get why the lawmakers want an independent monitor to oversee the release of these documents - it seems like they're trying to make sure nothing gets lost or tampered with in the process. But at the same time, I can see why the DOJ might be hesitant to hand over control to someone else. It's a big responsibility, and you don't want people making decisions that could have major consequences.

I think what's really frustrating for everyone involved is the slow pace of this release. 12,000 docs out of 2 million? That's just not moving fast enough . And if there are indeed "criminal violations" going on (as the reps claim), then it's even more crucial that someone with the authority to investigate and report back is in place.

Maybe a middle ground could be found? Like, maybe they can compromise on having a monitor or something, but also giving the DOJ some latitude to make sure everything goes smoothly? It feels like this whole thing is just mired in red tape right now .