Is the Justice Department Defying the Law? Massie Claims ‘Gross Failure’ in Latest File Release

Washington, D.C. – The release of sensitive government files is often a complex bureaucratic process, but for Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), the Department of Justice’s recent actions amount to more than just a delay—they represent a fundamental breach of legal obligation.

Following Friday’s court-mandated deadline to disclose documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, Massie has emerged as the most vocal critic of the release, characterizing the DOJ’s compliance as a “gross failure” that undermines the very law President Trump signed one month ago.

The legislation, which Massie aggressively championed in the House, established a strict 30-day timeline for the government to make these records public. As the files were published on Friday, however, it became immediately clear to the Kentucky Congressman that the output did not match the statutory intent.

A Sharp Rebuke of DOJ Leadership

Massie did not mince words in his assessment of how the rollout was handled. Taking to social media, he specifically targeted the leadership at the Department of Justice, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

According to Massie, the current administration of the files is failing to meet the standards set by the executive branch.

“Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago,” Massie stated.

The distinction Massie draws between the “spirit” and the “letter” of the law suggests that while the DOJ technically released documents on the deadline, the substance of that release was severely lacking.

His criticism points to a belief that the Department is technically checking a box while substantively withholding the transparency that the legislation was designed to enforce.

The Controversy of Redactions

Central to Massie’s frustration is the extent of the redactions found within the released cache. While some level of privacy screening was expected, the volume of withheld information shocked observers.

Massie highlighted a specific instance that he believes illustrates the severity of the stonewalling: a single document containing Grand Jury testimony that spanned 119 pages was released in a completely redacted format.

By validating reports of these “heavy-handed” redactions, Massie is signaling to his constituents and the broader public that the fight for information is not over. When faced with the specific claim that the DOJ was using redactions without adequate explanation, Massie’s stance was unequivocal.

He confirmed the accuracy of the assessment, reinforcing his position that the current disclosure is insufficient.

Massie’s Legislative Battle

To understand Massie’s intense scrutiny of this release, one must look at the legislative capital he invested to reach this point. The path to enacting this transparency law was not straightforward. Throughout the year, Massie navigated significant hurdles, including initial resistance from within his own party and leadership structures.

The turning point for Massie’s efforts came earlier this year when he helped facilitate a visit to Capitol Hill for alleged victims. This move was calculated to put a human face on the bureaucratic request for files, pressing GOP leaders to move the legislation forward.

Even then, he faced strategic delays, with suggestions that other committees should handle the probe. It was only after a discharge petition—a maneuver used to bypass leadership and force a vote—gained traction that the bill finally cleared the House and Senate, leading to the President’s signature on November 19.

For Massie, Friday’s deadline was the culmination of months of political maneuvering. The resulting “piecemeal” release, as it has been described, appears to be a disappointing anticlimax to a rigorous legislative campaign.

Skepticism Over “Good Faith” Compliance

The Department of Justice has publicly defended its handling of the files, citing the massive volume of documents as the primary reason for the delays and redactions.

Officials argued that they simply did not have the manpower or time to sift through thousands of pages to ensure the privacy of innocent third parties within the 30-day window. They have promised that more documents will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

However, Massie’s rhetoric suggests a deep skepticism regarding these justifications. By declaring the release a “gross failure,” he implies that logistical hurdles do not excuse what he views as a lack of adherence to the law.

The concern is not just about the speed of the release, but about the integrity of the process—specifically, whether the redactions are being used to protect victims or to shield associates from public scrutiny.

Massie’s current stance places him in a watchful position. He has indicated that all options remain on the table regarding how to proceed if the DOJ does not rectify the situation.

As the leading Republican sponsor of the act, his dissatisfaction signals that Congress may not simply accept the DOJ’s timeline and could push for further oversight hearings or legal clarifications to ensure the full scope of the law is realized.