The conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch announced today it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The suit seeks comprehensive records concerning the deceased financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with a specific demand for information identifying his clients or associates.
The lawsuit, Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:25-cv-01056), was initiated after Judicial Watch claims the Justice Department failed to adequately respond to four separate FOIA requests. These requests targeted various DOJ components, including the Office of Information Policy, the Criminal Division, and two distinct requests directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Central to these requests was the pursuit of records “depicting the identities of clients or associates of Jeffrey Epstein.”
READ: Prominent Dem Attorney Slams MSNBC, Maddow Over Reporting In Settled Defamation Case
Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His extensive network of connections to powerful and wealthy individuals has been the subject of intense public interest and speculation.
In its announcement, Judicial Watch referenced a February 24, 2025, Fox News report speculating about the potential release of Epstein’s “black book” following President Trump’s return to office.
This lawsuit follows a document release by the Justice Department on February 27, 2025. While anticipated, the release was described by some outlets, including the Tampa Free Press and New York Post, as lacking significant new revelations. The Post reported that the roughly 200 pages primarily listed names of celebrities and politicians already known to have associated with Epstein.
READ: U.S. Commander Removed from Greenland Base Following VP Vance Visit, Controversial Email
Judicial Watch argues that the prior document release was insufficient and that the DOJ is legally obligated under FOIA to provide a more thorough response to their requests.
“Simply put, the Justice Department needs to respond to public demands for transparency under law and release the Epstein files under FOIA,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
The lawsuit aims to compel the Department of Justice to conduct thorough searches for all relevant records pertaining to Epstein, particularly those identifying individuals connected to him, and to release any non-exempt documents found.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
