Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sought to downplay public alarm after roughly 3 million pages from Jeffrey Epstein's records were released, saying appearing in the files or "partying" with Epstein "isn't a crime." Blanche insisted the DOJ will investigate credible evidence and prosecute where supported, while acknowledging mistakes in the release process. Rep. Robert Garcia called Blanche's remarks "gross" and demanded the DOJ disclose alleged co-conspirators and correct selective redactions. The files reportedly include thousands of photos and videos and references to several high-profile figures; appearing in the records does not itself prove criminal conduct.
DOJ Deputy Says 'Not A Crime To Party With Epstein' — Release Of 3M Pages Sparks Outcry
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks during a press conference at the US Department of justice on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. / ALEX WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche attempted to calm public concern after the Justice Department released roughly 3 million pages of records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, saying that appearing in records or socializing with Epstein "isn't a crime" while promising prosecutors will pursue any provable misconduct.
Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were friends for years, but the president denies being involved or even aware of the financier's child sex crimes. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images
What Blanche Said
On Fox News' The Ingraham Angle, Blanche acknowledged the emotional impact of the records but drew a distinction between association and criminal conduct. "I'll never say no, and we will always investigate any evidence of misconduct, but as you know, it's not a crime to party with Mr. Epstein," he said. He added that "it's not a crime to email with Mr. Epstein" and that prosecutors will bring charges only when supported by evidence.
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attend a ceremony to honor the 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images
"So as horrible as it is... it's not a crime to email with Mr. Epstein. Some of these men may have done horrible things and if we have evidence that allows us to prosecute them, you better believe we will." — Todd Blanche
Reactions And Concerns
Critics responded with alarm. California Representative Robert Garcia called Blanche's comments "gross" and said they risk re-traumatizing survivors. Garcia demanded that the DOJ release the names of alleged co-conspirators and criticized redactions and the decision to publish approximately half of an estimated total archive.
Donald Trump with his then-girlfriend (and now wife), Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images
"Jeffrey Epstein trafficked and raped children and girls... The men that participated in those actions have yet to be held accountable," Garcia told CNN.
What Was Released And What Was Redacted
The release reportedly included references to public figures — including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, former Prince Andrew and Elon Musk — though appearing in documents does not equate to criminal implication. The materials also reportedly contain roughly 2,000 videos and 180,000 photos. Blanche said there is no incriminating footage in the release showing "men having improper... sex with victims," and that files were published for public review.
Blanche conceded mistakes during the rollout, saying the volume of documents was enormous — he compared the stack to the height of "two Eiffel Towers" (about 2,166 ft) — and that the DOJ removed material when victims or attorneys flagged concerns. He characterized the errors as a very small portion of the release, citing an error rate of ".002 percent."
Background
Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution and served 13 months of an 18-month sentence. He was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges in Florida and New York and died in his jail cell the following month.
What's Next
Blanche emphasized that prosecutors will investigate credible evidence of wrongdoing and bring charges where warranted. The release has renewed calls from lawmakers and advocates for greater transparency and for steps to ensure survivors are protected. The Daily Beast has contacted the Department of Justice for comment.
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