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3w ago

Khanna, Massie Ask Judge to Appoint Special Master Over Epstein Files Release

The Justice Department cites a massive, victim‑sensitive review as production lags, with the court now weighing its response.

Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18, 2025.
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U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) gestures as U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) (L) looks on during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol on November 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Bipartisan sponsors Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie asked U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer to appoint a special master or independent monitor to enforce the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
  • The DOJ says it has released about 12,285 documents—roughly 125,575 pages—while more than 2 million additional records remain under review after SDNY and the FBI flagged a large new trove.
  • The lawmakers argue the department used improper or excessive redactions and failed to deliver the statute‑required report to House and Senate Judiciary on what was withheld and why.
  • Legal analysts note a potential hurdle because the lawmakers are not parties to the Maxwell case that Engelmayer oversees, which could limit the court’s authority to grant their request.
  • Next steps include a DOJ target for the next substantial release around January 20–21, as Khanna and Massie warn they may pursue inherent contempt that could levy daily fines on Attorney General Pam Bondi.