Would the justice department be violating the law, if it fails to release all files today?published at 19:32 GMT
19:32 GMT
Sakshi Venkatraman
US reporter
When Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, a ticking clock started leading up to today – when the Department of Justice (DOJ) is legally required to release all of its files relating to Epstein.
But it looks like that might not happen – with officials saying some files might not be released today. So does that mean the DOJ is violating the law?
According to one legal expert, it’s hard to say, especially because the House and Senate are on their holiday recess.
“These are the kinds of practical things that are difficult to enforce when Congress is out of town,” says Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond.
If lawmakers were in Washington, they could use their powers to put pressure on the DOJ – including by issuing subpoenas, calling officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi for hearings, and starting inquiries.
Right now, it’s hard to know who has the power to do anything, Tobias says.
However, the DOJ could face legal challenges from Epstein’s survivors or advocacy groups who want to push for the full release of the files.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see somebody go court,” Tobias says. “And maybe a court would agree with them that they needed to hand over the files.”
An enforcement mechanism still remains unclear, though.
“They’re not gonna get any help from the White House,” he adds.