What You Need to Know Since Blanche’s DOJ refused to hand over additional Epstein documents

Blanche and the DOJ are once again obstructing investigations

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The DOJ continues to swat down legal requests to produce additional Epstein-related documents. Rather than simply release more files, the agency opted to explain its non-compliance with the court order in independent journalist Katie Phang’s lawsuit and is now also denying a FOIA request from government watchdog group American Oversight. The request seeks “all text messages and messages on messaging platforms ... sent or received by Todd Blanche and containing the term ‘Epstein.’” The group said the timing is especially urgent because of Blanche’s upcoming confirmation hearings. The DOJ, however, contends that releasing the documents now would unfairly allow American Oversight to jump ahead of other FOIA requesters and “wreak havoc on agencies and the court.” This argument of proper procedures and timelines is particularly flimsy though when held side by side with New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s accusation that the DOJ has been obstructing the state’s investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. According to Torrez, New Mexico requested relevant documents more than 130 days ago and has yet to receive them.

Here’s what else you need to know:

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Leading Stories from The Cover-Up

• Todd Blanche Panics as Federal Judge Rules He Broke the Epstein Files Law

  Katie Phang joins COURIER CEO and publisher Tara McGowan on her show, Gloves Off, to discuss her suit pushing the DOJ to release more Epstein files. Watch now on YouTube & Instagram.

• Todd Blanche admits to withholding handwritten notes in Epstein Files

  Below the Beltway’s Camaron Stevenson details the handwritten Epstein notes DOJ withheld from the published Files, including ones tied to a minor’s trafficking allegations against Trump. Read on Substack.

• Epstein survivors urge Sen. Tillis to reject Trump AG pick who ‘betrayed’ them

  Cardinal & Pine’s Dylan Rhoney covers the Epstein survivors calling out Todd Blanche for his mishandling of the Epstein files. Share now on Facebook & Instagram.

• Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie pushes for Epstein file release ahead of Blanche confirmation hearing

  Hellbender Newsroom’s Olivia Krauth unpacks Rep. Massie’s continued quest for transparency around the Epstein files. Share now on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook.

• Steve Bannon, Populist False Prophet

  American Freakshow’s Nina Burleigh and Katie Chenoweth trace the friendship Epstein shared with his “Lambchop,” Steve Bannon. Share now on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram & Threads.

• This Billionaire Paid Epstein Millions. Congress Wants to Know Why.

  Camaron Stevenson breaks down the details of billionaire Leon Black’s relationship with Epstein. Watch now on YouTube.

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Headlines to Know

• Judge Says President’s Lawsuit With I.R.S. Was Self-Dealing The New York Times, Andrew Duehren and Alan Feuer, 07/13/26

• Goldman lawyer Ruemmler to be questioned by House panel on Epstein ties Reuters, Saeed Azhar, 07/13/26

• Dimon pressed over whether he lobbied UK government on Epstein’s advice The Financial Times, Jim Pickard, Lauren Fedor, and Joshua Franklin, 07/12/26

• New Mexico’s AG says DOJ is stonewalling probe of Epstein ranch — again MS NOW, Ja’han Jones, 07/10/26

• Why the House’s Epstein investigation isn’t going away Politico, Hailey Fuchs, 07/09/26

• NM Attorney General demands unredacted Epstein files by July 31 KOB, Trevor Thompson, 07/09/26

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