Democrats storm out of Justice Department leaders’ briefing on the Epstein files - AP News

AP News
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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Democratic lawmakers walked out of a Justice Department briefing on Epstein files, disagreeing with how the Trump administration is handling the materials.

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Democratic lawmakers walked out of a Justice Department briefing on files related to Jeffrey Epstein, signaling sharp disagreement with how the Trump administration is handling the release or disclosure of the materials. The Epstein files contain records connected to the convicted financier's crimes and associates, documents that have drawn intense public and political scrutiny. The walkout reflects Democratic frustration over the Justice Department's approach to transparency or the substance of the briefing itself. The incident underscores the partisan tensions surrounding how sensitive materials involving the wealthy financier are being managed and made public. It remains unclear what specific actions or decisions triggered the lawmakers' departure.

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