Rep. Jamie Raskin Says Redactions In Epstein Files Are 'All About Covering Up'

Source: Huff Post

Dec 21, 2025, 07:09 PM EST


Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) argued that the redactions in the Epstein files released on Friday are nonsensical and most likely indicative of a cover-up. “If you read the statute, the only things that are allowed to be redacting are related to child sex abuse, physical abuse, ongoing investigations, which they say there are none, and national security. So how can you block out an entire document? It makes no sense,” Raskin told CNN’s Kasie Hunt on an episode of “State of the Union” on Sunday.

“And, remember, Trump opposed the legislation up until the very end, when he could read the writing on the wall. Then he said, ‘Oh, I’m for it,’” Raskin said, reasoning that Trump’s switch-up came after Trump’s followers decided that they would work to “obstruct the implementation of the legislation.”

Hundreds of Epstein files were released on Friday, but the Justice Department has removed at least 16 so far, CNN reported. The DOJ said online Saturday that it will continue reviewing and redacting the files, and, on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the purpose is to protect victims.

Hunt asked Raskin whether he believed some of the redactions actually served to protect victims, rather than to orchestrate a cover-up. “They have not shown any deference or respect for the victims at all, for the survivors of this nightmare. And it’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself, other members of his family, friends, Jeffrey Epstein, or just the social, business, cultural network that he was involved in for at least a decade, if not longer,” Raskin said.

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