Bipartisan lawmakers ask judge to appoint Special Master over Epstein files, DOJ says no

Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), the bipartisan co-sponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, have asked a federal judge to appoint a Special Master to force the DOJ to release the remaining files. They cite "urgent and grave concerns" and believe "criminal violations have taken place" in the release process, Politico reports.

The DOJ responded with a six-page letter telling Judge Engelmayer to reject the request, arguing he "lacks the authority" because the lawmakers aren't parties to the Maxwell case. Less than 1% of files have been released so far — about 12,285 documents out of more than 2 million.

"We are informing the Court of serious misconduct by the Department of Justice that requires a remedy," Khanna said, noting that victims themselves have requested intervention. A January 2026 poll found only 6% of Americans are satisfied with the release so far. Nearly half of Republicans, three-quarters of independents, and 9 in 10 Democrats believe the government is withholding information.

At current pace, full disclosure would take over eight years.

Previously:
• DOJ has released less than 1% of Epstein files
• Bipartisan pair threatens Bondi with contempt over Epstein files
• Lawmakers posture as Trump administration keeps delaying Epstein files