Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused the Department of Justice (DOJ) of orchestrating a “massive cover-up” of the Epstein files at a press conference on Thursday, making clear that Democrats are intent on uncovering what the DOJ is hiding to protect President Donald Trump and many others connected to the disgraced financier.
Speaking alongside Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Schumer pointed out that it has been 99 days since Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation requiring the full release of government records tied to the Epstein investigation. He stated that the law leaves no room for discretion, mandating the release of all relevant documents—not a selective subset.
Schumer contended that the DOJ, under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, has failed to comply. He accused the department of withholding key materials, overusing redactions, and shielding individuals connected to Epstein while exposing survivors. Recent reporting, he noted, indicated that memos detailing accusations against Trump had not been made public.
Schumer Vows To Uncover The Truth About The Epstein Files
Calling the situation an unlawful effort to protect the president and his associates, Schumer said Democrats had anticipated resistance and organized accordingly. He said Senate Democrats have been coordinating with victims’ attorneys, legal experts, and others familiar with the case to prepare an aggressive oversight campaign.
That effort, he said, will include reviewing unredacted files in the coming days, pursuing whistleblower testimony, and demanding that the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) preserve all internal records related to decisions about disclosure. Schumer warned administration officials against destroying or altering documents, saying those actions would not escape scrutiny.
Framing the fight as one about accountability rather than partisan politics, Schumer said survivors and the broader public deserve full transparency. While acknowledging bipartisan agreement that the truth should come out, he placed the onus squarely on the administration.
“Stop hiding. Stop delaying. Come clean,” Schumer warned Trump, adding that if the administration does not act, Senate Democrats intend to force the issue through oversight and investigation until the full record is public.
