Dear Kevin,
Thank you for contacting me about the Epstein Files. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
The Epstein files contain information regarding the crimes of convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices that the public has a right to know. Congress has a responsibility to pursue the facts and uncover the truth about Jeffrey Epstein and his inner circle. The victims deserve justice, and the public deserves candor.
That is why I was a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4405, the Epstein Transparency Act, and supported H.Res.581, the discharge petition that successfully circumvented House Republican leadership who for months had blocked attempts to release the full, unclassified files. H.R. 4405 passed with overwhelming support in the House and Senate and was signed into law on November 19, 2025. This legislation requires the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified records, documents, and materials related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.
On Friday, January 30, the Department of Justice released 3.5 million pages of Epstein files – their first release since a few thousand files with extensive redactions were made public in December. While the files do not include direct communication between President Trump and Epstein, they do reveal close ties between Jeffery Epstein and President Trump’s inner circle and cabinet.
However, this new release was disorganized, full of duplicates, and failed to adequately protect survivors’ personal information. Many of the files have redacted the names and faces of abusers while leaving survivors –including individuals who were not previously publicized– fully exposed. It is outrageous that this administration is allowing the victims to be scrutinized in this manner while protecting the identities of many of Epstein’s enablers.
Attorney General Pam appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11. During this hearing, she deliberately obstructed efforts by Democratic Members of Congress to exercise oversight and attempted to deflect this serious issue by discussing the stock market, economic gains, and other unrelated issues. I was outraged at her unwillingness to answer basic questions, take responsibility for the Administration’s botched handling of the release of the Epstein files, or address the survivors of his abuses – who have all been denied meetings with the Department of Justice to provide testimony. It is clear that she is beholden to President Trump, not the Constitution as she should be, and I have called for her immediate resignation.
It is important to recognize that this is not over until every legally required document has been released and every perpetrator of abuse has been exposed. Reports suggested that over six million pages exist in total. Survivors deserve every single file to be released.
The American people have made clear that they want transparency and accountability on this issue. Rest assured, I will continue fighting for the full release of these files in the face of these despicable efforts to shield the perpetrators of abuse.
Sincerely,
Chellie Pingree
Member of Congress
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