A new lawsuit is putting the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files back under a legal microscope—and dragging high-level Trump administration officials into the dispute.
On Monday, former MSNBC host and legal analyst Katie Phang filed suit in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking to force acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to release the full set of Epstein-related documents held by the government.
Phang argues that the DOJ has unlawfully withheld records and over-redacted materials that have already been partially released, limiting public and press access to details about Epstein’s network, financial dealings, and associates.
The lawsuit names Blanche in his official capacity as head of the Justice Department, following leadership changes that installed him after the removal of former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
According to legal journalist Scott McFarlane, the 15-page filing—brought by attorney Brendan Ballou—claims the department is violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a 2025 law requiring the release of the documents. The suit alleges the DOJ has failed to meet statutory deadlines, improperly redacted material, and withheld entire records without adequate explanation.
“The Department of Justice has failed to produce the required documents within the time required,” the filing states, adding that the government has “improperly redacted documents and failed to adequately explain those redactions.”
More explosively, the complaint asserts that the DOJ has withheld or altered records referencing Donald Trump, including documents that allegedly mention him directly or were previously released in some form and later pulled back.
“The Department improperly failed to produce documents referring to Donald Trump,” the filing claims, further alleging that other sources confirm additional Trump-related records exist but have not been disclosed.
The lawsuit also asks the court to appoint a special master to independently oversee compliance and ensure the records are properly released under the law.
Phang, now a podcaster after leaving MSNBC (now MS NOW), said the case is about transparency and accountability.
“As a journalist, it’s my job to find the truth and hold powerful people accountable when they break the law,” she said. “Survivors and the wider American public deserve answers.”
