Overview

• An FBI FOIA team conducted a final review of Epstein-related records and blacked out President Trump’s name along with those of dozens of other public figures before the release of a joint DOJ-FBI memo.
• The redaction effort followed Attorney General Pam Bondi’s March directive that mobilized about 1,000 agents to flag any documents mentioning Trump.
• A July DOJ-FBI memo formally closed the case, concluding Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and finding no evidence of a secret client list, and deeming further disclosure unwarranted.
• Prominent MAGA voices and congressional lawmakers from both parties have demanded unredacted access, accusing the agencies of shielding powerful individuals.
• The Justice Department maintains the use of FOIA privacy exemptions protects personal information and upholds confidentiality for victims.