Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has invoked a century-old law to compel the Trump-era Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Schumer and his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Homeland Security Committee have called on the executive branch to comply, citing the Rule of Five, which requires the federal government to act when five senators request information. The move comes following claims that officials have evaded transparency and failed to fulfill promises of openness. Schumer argued that the public has a right to know about the alleged sex trafficking operations linked to Epstein.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Schumer emphasized that the Rule of Five, a relatively unknown provision in federal law, ensures that the executive branch must comply with congressional demands. He stated that the request covers all evidence, files, and materials related to the case, including those involving other individuals connected to Epstein. Schumer also criticized Trump for breaking his campaign promise to release the files, calling for accountability and insisting that the DOJ must respond by August 15th.
He highlighted past assurances from Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, but claimed that the public has received stonewalling and deception instead. Schumer urged Senate Republicans to join the effort, stating that transparency is essential to uncovering the truth behind Epstein’s alleged crimes. The DOJ has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Schumer’s demand follows a previous call for the FBI to conduct a counterintelligence threat assessment on the Epstein files. He argued that the assessment should determine whether foreign intelligence agencies could gain access to non-public information in the files, identify vulnerabilities in the case, and establish mitigation strategies to safeguard national security. This move underscores the Senate’s growing push for accountability and transparency in the investigation of high-profile cases, including those involving former presidents and political figures.