Judge Sullivan warns DOJ on Epstein files, cites contempt risk
Judge Emmet Sullivan issued a 20-page order on October 8, 2026, warning the Department of Justice that civil contempt charges could follow if it fails to comply with renewed disclosure orders regarding the Epstein files. While Sullivan deemed immediate contempt 'premature,' he rejected DOJ justifications for withholding handwritten FBI notes and foreign-language documents. The ruling stems from a lawsuit by journalist Katie Phang, who alleges the DOJ has not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Sullivan acknowledged some redactions were necessary to protect survivor privacy but ordered the DOJ to provide additional documentation for private review. This development intensifies scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of Epstein-related records, as Congress considers further transparency legislation.
