Congress is playing hardball with the Department of Justice over the long-awaited Epstein files.
Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) are leading a bipartisan charge against Attorney General Pam Bondi, threatening inherent contempt and hefty fines for what they call a botched release of documents tied to the notorious Jeffrey Epstein case, as mandated by the recently enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act.
If these files remain under wraps, the public could be left footing the bill for future lawsuits or settlements tied to undisclosed misconduct. From a conservative standpoint, no one gets a pass—full disclosure is non-negotiable.
The saga began when Khanna and Massie co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on Nov. 19, 2025. This legislation gave the DOJ a 30-day window to release all relevant documents.
The DOJ started rolling out what they called the first wave of files on a recent Friday, promising more releases in the coming weeks. But by Saturday evening, frustration mounted as redactions littered the documents, and some were even pulled from the DOJ’s online “Epstein Library.”
Khanna and Massie didn’t mince words, slamming the DOJ for failing to meet the spirit of the law with these half-measures. From a right-of-center view, this smells like the kind of bureaucratic stonewalling conservatives have long decried—government overreach protecting the elite.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche pushed back, insisting the DOJ is fully compliant “in every way, shape, and form.” He explained that certain documents were removed to honor a court order tied to concerns from victims or their advocates. But let’s be real—compliance on paper doesn’t mean justice in practice if the public is left in the dark.
Khanna, undeterred, pointed out that Bondi is already past the 30-day grace period and in violation of the law. He’s floating a bold penalty: a fine of up to $5,000 per day for every day the files remain unreleased. That’s the kind of accountability conservatives can cheer for—hit ‘em where it hurts, in the wallet.
Massie echoed the frustration, accusing the DOJ of “flouting the spirit and intent” of the act. If the goal was transparency, this rollout feels more like a smokescreen—a classic dodge that fuels distrust in institutions already on thin ice with the American right.
Khanna also revealed a personal drive behind his push, emphasizing the human toll of the Epstein scandal. “My goal is not to destroy Pam Bondi... my goal is that, on a personal level, these documents need to come out,” he said. “Lives were traumatized. They want these documents out, and whatever we can do to get the documents out.”
While his empathy for survivors resonates, conservatives might raise an eyebrow at any hint of softening the hammer on Bondi. Justice for victims demands unredacted truth, not excuses or delays from the DOJ.
Adding a rare bipartisan twist, Khanna noted that “there are a few Republicans who are on board with it.” That’s a refreshing change from the usual partisan gridlock, but it also signals how serious this issue is when both sides agree the DOJ isn’t cutting it.
Behind closed doors, Khanna and Massie are drafting plans to wield congressional contempt powers against Bondi. This isn’t just saber-rattling—it’s a reminder that Congress, not unelected bureaucrats, holds the reins of oversight.
For those on the right, this fight embodies a core MAGA principle: drain the swamp, no exceptions. If the Epstein files hold secrets about the powerful, every American deserves to know, whether it’s uncomfortable for the elite or not.
Ultimately, this standoff isn’t about party lines—it’s about whether the government serves the people or shields the connected. Conservatives, alongside principled Democrats like Khanna, must keep the pressure on until every last page is public. The clock is ticking, and so is that potential $5,000 daily fine.
