The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that more than one million additional documents potentially linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case have been discovered, significantly delaying the public release of files that was mandated by law to be completed last week. The disclosure has ignited accusations of a deliberate cover-up from bipartisan lawmakers.

In a statement on X, the DOJ said lawyers are “working around the clock” to review the massive new volume of material and apply legally required redactions to protect victims, a process that “may take a few more weeks.” The announcement came on Christmas Eve, drawing immediate criticism from members of Congress who had already questioned the department's handling of the sensitive investigation.

Bipartisan Calls for an Independent Audit

A group of 12 senators, led by Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), responded by calling for an audit of the DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law, signed by President Donald Trump in November, required a full release of documents with minimal redactions by December 19.

The lawmakers accused the DOJ of violating the statute by withholding files, releasing already-public documents, and applying excessive redactions. “Given the Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files… a neutral assessment is essential,” they wrote in a letter to Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume.

Escalating Political Confrontation

The delay has escalated a political firestorm. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein, accused the White House of engaging in a “cover-up protecting Epstein’s co-conspirators.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed to force a Senate vote on suing the DOJ, while Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have threatened to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche in inherent contempt.

“The survivors deserve justice. The DOJ release does not comply with the… Act,” Massie stated on X.

Trump's Evolving Stance and Case Connections

President Trump, a former associate of Epstein’s, was largely absent from the initial document release. However, a batch made public on Tuesday included references suggesting Trump frequently traveled on Epstein’s plane in the 1990s. The DOJ noted that some documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” submitted to the FBI before the 2020 election.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and previously labeled the controversy a “hoax,” though he ultimately endorsed the transparency act as it advanced through Congress. His administration’s handling of the release—first promising a “rolling basis” delivery through year-end, now extending into the new year—has fueled allegations of obstructing justice from across the political aisle.

With the inspector general now pressed to intervene, the fight over the Epstein files is poised to extend well into the new year, testing the limits of legislative mandates against executive discretion in one of the most politically charged investigations in recent memory.