"The US justice department has begun releasing the long-awaited Epstein files, after months of political wrangling, a popular furor and repeated attempts to deflect scrutiny over Donald Trump's links to the late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. The release comes after deputy attorney general Todd Blanche said that the justice department would release several hundred thousand documents from the Epstein files on Friday but hinted that some may be held back at least temporarily citing the need to protect victims."
"House Democrats, led by Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, condemned the Trump administration's delay to release all of the Epstein files as a violation of federal law and vowed to pursue legal options. The scandal has dominated Washington for months, dogging the US president since his return to the White House for a second term, splintering his conservative base and spurring accusations of an attempted cover-up from across the political spectrum."
"Some of the most sought-after material will pertain to the president's relationship with Epstein, who killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. Trump and Epstein were close friends for years before falling out. Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing. But concerns have been raised about how, why and when his relationship with Epstein broke down, and how much Trump knew about Epstein's conduct."
The Justice Department has begun releasing large portions of the Epstein files while indicating some documents may be temporarily withheld to protect victims. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said several hundred thousand documents would be released and that additional documents are expected in the coming weeks. House Democrats led by Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin condemned the delay as a violation of federal law and promised legal action. The scandal has affected Washington politics and raised questions about the president's past relationship with Epstein. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting federal sex-trafficking charges. Trump is not accused of wrongdoing; concerns remain about what he knew.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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