Epstein Files Update: DOJ Responds to Tracking Searches by Lawmakers [View all]
Source: Newsweek
Published Feb 12, 2026 at 03:04 PM EST updated Feb 12, 2026 at 05:34 PM EST
The Department of Justice (DOJ) acknowledged Thursday that it is logging searches conducted by members of Congress as they review unredacted files related to Jeffrey Epstein, saying the tracking is intended to prevent the release of sensitive victim information.
"DOJ has extended Congress the opportunity to review unredacted documents in the Epstein files. As a part of that review, DOJ logs all searches made on its systems to protect against the release of victim information," a Justice Department spokesman told Newsweek.
The DOJ's disclosure followed the emergence of a document included in a binder used by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi during Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee hearing that showed the department recorded details related to searches of the Epstein files by Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat.
Why It Matters
Jayapal criticized the tracking of her activity, saying that it was "totally unacceptable" for the DOJ to track her and others as they sought to read the latest releases. She was joined by other Democrats, who called for an end to the tracking and full public release of all relevant documents connected to sex offender Epstein. Bondi and the wider Trump administration have been accused of taking too long to comply with legislation that mandated the files' release in December.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/doj-logs-congress-searches-epstein-files-victim-information-11515397
REFERENCES
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143612509
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143615240
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