Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
7h ago

Massie and Khanna Ask Judge to Appoint Special Master for Epstein Files Release

The judge must weigh their request despite questions about his authority.

Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 18, 2025.
Image
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

  • Nearly three weeks after the statutory deadline, the Justice Department has released 12,285 documents totaling about 125,575 pages while telling the court more than 2 million documents remain under review.
  • Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna asked Manhattan Judge Paul Engelmayer to install a special master or independent monitor to oversee compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
  • The lawmakers say DOJ missed the Dec. 19 deadline, applied excessive redactions, and has not delivered the redaction and withholding report required to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
  • They contend DOJ’s self-reported totals are inconsistent and cite reports suggesting the universe could exceed 5 million documents, arguing the scope may be overstated to delay disclosure.
  • The pair has threatened inherent contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi, while the court considers their request in a case where the lawmakers are not parties and jurisdiction could be an obstacle.