Epstein records fight escalates as Luna targets destruction of evidence
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, is taking a bold stand against government officials who destroy or conceal vital government documents. Luna, who heads a task force focused on declassifying government records, is introducing a groundbreaking bill known as the Stopping High-level Record Elimination and Destruction (SHRED) Act of 2025.
Under this proposed legislation, any government official or Department of Justice (DOJ) employee caught hiding, altering, or destroying federal records could face a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life. This represents a significant escalation from current laws, which impose a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for such offenses.
Currently, individuals found guilty of knowingly tampering with government records with the intent to obstruct justice can face fines or imprisonment. However, Luna’s SHRED Act seeks to impose stricter penalties to deter such actions in the future.
Luna’s push for harsher punishments comes in the wake of her ongoing battle with the Trump administration over the declassification of documents related to high-profile cases like the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy Jr. Key officials in the Trump administration, such as Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, have pledged to prioritize transparency in these matters.
Despite her efforts, Luna has expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from the DOJ regarding her task force’s work. She emphasized the importance of direct communication and collaboration between her team and the DOJ to ensure the successful declassification of critical documents.
Recent whistleblower allegations have also raised concerns about the destruction of documents by FBI agents to impede Patel’s investigations. Pressure from conservative voices has mounted for Bondi and Patel to release more information on the Epstein case, with Bondi acknowledging that initial document releases were incomplete.
In a recent interview, Bondi assured the public that all relevant documents related to Epstein would eventually be made available, albeit with necessary redactions to protect sensitive information. Despite these promises, the DOJ has yet to provide a response to inquiries about document declassification efforts.
As the debate over government transparency and document preservation continues, Rep. Luna remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to conceal or destroy vital records. The SHRED Act represents a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and transparency of government operations.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the House of Representatives. Connect with her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and reach out with any tips at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
