Judge Warns DOJ Over Epstein File Redactions, Signals Possible Contempt

A federal judge, Emmet Sullivan, pressed DOJ attorneys about complying with court orders to justify redactions and disclose information from the Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, warning he could hold lawyers in contempt. The dispute centers on journalist Katie Phang’s lawsuit alleging the DOJ failed to fully comply, while the department says details will come. Sullivan invoked a past contempt finding in the Ted Stevens case to emphasize enforcement and signaled that a new order may be issued to curb ongoing delays.