In a jaw-dropping turn that pits a Republican lawmaker against his own party’s administration, Congressman Thomas Massie unleashes fierce criticism on the Trump DOJ for blatantly missing the congressional deadline to release Jeffrey Epstein’s files—releasing less than 1% despite a bipartisan law signed by President Trump himself.T

Congressman Massie spotlights the Trump DOJ’s glaring failure to meet the Epstein files release timeline.

In early January 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, sharply criticized the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi for missing the statutory deadline to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The bipartisan law, signed by President Trump on November 19, 2025, mandated full public disclosure of all unclassified records by December 19, 2025, with narrow exceptions for victim privacy.

Yet, as of January 6, the DOJ admitted in a court filing that it had released only 12,285 documents—about 125,000 pages—representing less than 1% of the total. Over two million additional files remain under review, including newly discovered materials from FBI and Southern District of New York vaults. Massie, alongside Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), accused the DOJ of “flagrant violations,” citing excessive redactions, removed files, and delays that retraumatize survivors.

On January 8, the duo wrote to federal Judge Paul Engelmayer, urging appointment of a special master to oversee compliance and prevent improper conduct. “The DOJ cannot be trusted with making mandatory disclosures,” they stated, highlighting how the glacial pace erodes public trust and shields powerful figures named in flight logs, subpoenas, and investigations.

Massie’s outspokenness stems from his lead role in the act’s passage, which sailed through Congress nearly unanimously amid promises of accountability for Epstein’s network. The delays have intensified scrutiny on the Trump administration, with critics alleging protection of elites—despite Trump’s denials of wrongdoing and past associations with Epstein. Released tranches have included photos, emails, and mentions of prominent individuals, including Trump, but heavy blackouts obscure key details.

Echoing Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir Nobody’s Girl—published October 2025, detailing her abuse and fight for justice—Massie insists transparency honors victims. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, hoped full disclosure would prevent future predation.

As midterm elections loom, Massie’s spotlight on this “glaring failure” underscores a rare intra-party rift. Without swift intervention, he warns, justice delayed perpetuates the very impunity the law aimed to end. Survivors and the public await the reckoning promised but not yet delivered.