Quote Originally Posted by desertrunner View Post
President Joe Biden did not release the so-called "Epstein list" because he lacks the legal authority to unilaterally declassify or release sealed court documents and investigative materials, which are controlled by the judiciary and the Department of Justice (DOJ) under federal law. The files related to Jeffrey Epstein include grand jury testimony, victim statements, and evidence from criminal and civil investigations, much of which remains under court seal to protect ongoing litigation, victim privacy, and the integrity of the justice system.
Federal rules, particularly Rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, strictly prohibit the disclosure of grand jury materials without a court order, and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) mandates the protection of identities and personal information of trafficking survivors, many of whom were minors at the time of the abuse. Releasing unredacted documents could violate these laws and potentially retraumatize victims who provided testimony under confidentiality agreements.
Additionally, the DOJ operates independently of the White House, and Biden has consistently maintained that the department should not be influenced by political considerations. Attorney General Merrick Garland retained full discretion over decisions regarding the Epstein files, and the administration chose not to interfere with established legal procedures. While some documents were unsealed during Biden’s presidency—particularly from civil cases like Giuffre v. Maxwell—these releases were the result of court decisions, not executive action.
There is also no verified "client list" in the DOJ’s records, according to officials; instead, the materials consist of extensive investigative files without a single, definitive roster of associates. Some speculate that mutual political protection may play a role, as figures from both major parties could be implicated, making full disclosure a high-risk move for any administration.
In summary, Biden did not release the Epstein files because the president does not have the legal power to override judicial seals or DOJ protocols, and the administration prioritized adherence to due process, victim privacy, and institutional norms over political pressure for transparency.