The much-anticipated release of the Epstein files failed to deliver the transparency the public was promised. Instead of unmasking the full list of Epstein’s powerful associates, Attorney General Pam Bondi was handed a binder containing heavily redacted documents — most of which had already been seen before. Outrage erupted as it became clear that crucial details were still being withheld.

Bondi accused the FBI of withholding thousands of pages of case files and demanded their immediate release. In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, she set a deadline for the Bureau to turn over every document, recording and investigative file related to Epstein and his clients. Patel responded by pledging an internal probe to determine who was responsible for keeping evidence from the Department of Justice.

Adding to the controversy, binders labeled The Epstein Files: Phase 1 were given to select social media influencers at the White House. The move backfired when many of them, unaware of the contents, unwittingly became part of what some are calling a failed PR stunt described here. The documents largely consisted of previously disclosed flight logs and contact lists, leaving the public frustrated by the lack of new revelations.

Public reaction was swift and furious. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who has been vocal about the need for transparency, said she was blindsided by the release and had received no prior notice that the documents were being made public. Meanwhile, victims’ attorney Jennifer Freeman blasted the FBI and D.O.J. for continuing to keep survivors in the dark and failing to act on crucial evidence years earlier as noted here.

Despite the mounting outrage, Bondi remains firm in her demands. She has insisted that Patel ensure the FBI complies with her order to release the full Epstein records, warning that any attempts to keep the information hidden would not be tolerated. Patel has stated that there will be no cover-ups, promising that any remaining files will be uncovered and delivered to the D.O.J.

With questions still unanswered and the FBI under growing scrutiny, the American people are left wondering how much longer they will have to wait for the full truth to be revealed.