DOJ responds to Rep. Luna’s request for Epstein, JFK files: Under review
Republican lawmakers have been putting pressure on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release classified documents related to high-profile cases like Jeffrey Epstein and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order urging agencies to develop plans to declassify top-secret documents, including those connected to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who leads the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, sent letters to the DOJ on Feb. 11 and Feb. 19, seeking briefings and any relevant documents held by the department. After weeks of waiting, Luna finally received a response from the DOJ.
In the letter, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Patrick D. Davis thanked Luna for her inquiries and acknowledged her request for written confirmation of when and where the classified records would be released. Davis emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of criminal investigations and prosecutions while fulfilling the department’s mission to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights.
Despite the DOJ’s response, Luna expressed frustration with the lack of communication, sharing her concerns on social media. She also reached out to other key figures, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and White House Counsel David Warrington, asking for a briefing on the release plans.
Bondi, appearing on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” revealed that her office intends to disclose information about Epstein the following day. With over 250 alleged victims, Bondi stressed the need to safeguard their identities before releasing any details. She hinted at revealing flight logs, names, and other pertinent information related to Epstein’s case.
Trump’s executive order mandated the DOJ to collaborate with Gabbard, Waltz, and Warrington to devise a plan by Feb. 7 for releasing the JFK files and to prepare a plan for the MLK and Robert F. Kennedy files by March 9. Luna is also advocating for the disclosure of details concerning Epstein’s client list, as the financier passed away in 2019 before facing trial on sex trafficking charges.
Bondi confirmed that Epstein’s client list was under review, along with the Kennedy and King files. As the push for declassification continues, it remains to be seen how the DOJ will navigate the release of these sensitive documents.
In conclusion, the efforts of Republican lawmakers to unveil classified information related to high-profile cases have sparked a dialogue on transparency and accountability within the DOJ. As the process unfolds, it is crucial to balance the public’s right to information with the protection of sensitive details and the privacy of individuals involved in these cases.
