Friday, December 19, 2025

Trump DOJ faces Epstein files release deadline

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Fri Dec 19 2025

The moment for Donald Trump's Justice Department to turn over everything the federal government knows about the Jeffrey Epstein case is here.

Congress imposed a Dec. 19 deadline on the administration to release files associated with the late wealth manager, who died by suicide in jail six years ago while awaiting trial on allegations that he trafficked underage girls for sex across the globe.

The case has captured the nation's attention for several reasons over the years, from the heinousness of the charges and the 1,000 survivors to questions about Epstein's connections to the rich and powerful, including the president.

Epstein's relationship with Trump has been an undercurrent of the files saga this year, with Democrats on the House Oversight Committee releasing a copy of a birthday letter the president wrote to Epstein, written inside the outline of a woman's body. It appears to show Trump's signature, but he has vehemently denied writing the note.

Democrats on the committee also released emails where Epstein talked about Trump, including one saying Trump "knew about the girls."

Attorney General Pam Bondi , who has been slammed by Democrats and MAGA supporters alike, has until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 19 to give up the records, but skeptics are already asking how many documents will be withheld or redacted.

Justice Department releases its files on Jeffrey Epstein. The department faced a Dec. 19 deadline to release more information about the accused sex trafficker.

Illustration: Alan Nguyen, Photos: Reuters

For more on what's happening with the Epstein files release, check out USA TODAY's coverage:

What records have been released in Jeffrey Epstein investigation? The slow drip of leaks and government revelations continue to roil the political waters

Epstein-Trump relations evolved, ended and lingered for 30 years: Six years after his death, revelations about Epstein continue to haunt the nation and the Trump administration

How Epstein has dogged Trump's second term unlike anything else: Six months of tawdry revelations and unusually staunch MAGA resistance reaches a major milestone

Wisconsin judge found guilty of obstructing immigration arrest

It's rare to see a sitting judge standing trial, and even more infrequently for it to be at the center of a president's agenda.

But that's what happened in Wisconsin this week.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty of obstructing federal agents seeking to make an immigration arrest outside her courtroom. It is a precedent-setting case that has drawn protests and marks a significant victory for the Trump administration, which has battled with state and federal judges over its deportation efforts.

This is the first time a state judge has gone to trial on charges of obstructing immigration agents, who have been making arrests at courthouses across the country.

Judges and others have expressed concern that the practice deters defendants from showing up to court, but the president and his allies say is necessary to apprehend those living in the country illegally.

Thanks for reading! See you back next week with more stories of justice from across the country.