Trump DOJ Faces Backlash Over Epstein Document Controversy

URGENT UPDATE: Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann has criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, claiming that the agency is misleading President Donald Trump‘s supporters. Speaking on the live program Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace, Weissmann expressed his concerns over the recent release of documents that he believes are insufficient and potentially deceptive.

Weissmann stated that the DOJ’s actions are treating the MAGA base as “a bunch of fools.” He highlighted comments made by Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, who asserted that Trump had long wanted to make the documents public, a claim Weissmann refuted. “If he wanted to do it, he could have done it on day one of his presidency and he hasn’t,” Weissmann noted, emphasizing a disconnect between Blanche’s statements and reality.

During the segment aired on MS NOW on Friday, Weissmann pointed out that the DOJ’s claim of producing “hundreds of thousands” of documents does not align with previous statements. “The law required it to be produced today,” he reminded viewers, suggesting that the DOJ may be in violation of legal requirements by failing to provide the expected volume of documents.

Weissmann conducted a quick analysis of the DOJ’s claims, revealing that in September 2023, the agency had stated there was “nothing to see here” after reviewing 300GB of information. “A few hundred thousand and a few hundred thousand does not equal 300GB,” he insisted, raising questions about the transparency of the DOJ’s process. “Where are the documents that are not being produced? This screams coverup,” he added.

He also criticized the DOJ for lacking accountability, suggesting that a responsible agency would hold a press conference to outline its processes and decisions. Instead, he noted, the DOJ’s announcement was made through a brief statement on Fox News, which failed to address the significant issues at hand. “You know that there’s a problem with what they’re doing when they do this sort of short-form announcement,” Weissmann stated, underscoring the need for greater transparency.

The implications of this situation are significant, as it raises questions about the integrity of the DOJ and its commitment to upholding the law. With the Epstein case continuing to attract public interest, the handling of such sensitive information could impact public trust in federal institutions.

As this story unfolds, observers will be watching closely for any further developments from the DOJ and how they will address the concerns raised by Weissmann and others. Will there be additional disclosures? How will the MAGA base react to these allegations of deception?

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it continues to capture national attention.