What we learned today and what’s next

With the release today of three million pages of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has suggested that’s all there is. 

But Democrats say that’s only half of the Epstein documents in DOJ possession. 

If that is indeed it, it leaves unanswered questions along with many disappointed Epstein observers who were hoping for more details about his alleged crimes, other potential co-conspirators, or, perhaps, the so-called client list.

Today’s release did include some significant new details, including the 32-count draft indictment accusing Epstein and three alleged co-conspirators of procuring underage girls for sex acts and sex trafficking.

Then there are the email exchanges between Elon Musk and Epstein that suggested the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was keen to visit Epstein’s island. Musk has previously insisted he turned down such invitations.

Documents also revealed that Epstein visited Canada in 2014, despite having a criminal record that made him inadmissible. Files also showed Epstein applied for — and was denied — a temporary resident permit that would have allowed him to travel to Canada in 2018. 

It’s likely Congress will now attempt to get access to more documents.

Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who co-sponsored the act to make the Epstein files public, said this release of documents raises questions as to why the rest are being withheld.

Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for the files to be released without redactions.

We’re wrapping this live page now, but you can read more at cbc.ca/news.