WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice commenced the release of records related to the late Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. This move follows the passage of a law, supported by both major political parties and signed by President Donald Trump, mandating the public disclosure of all unclassified materials pertaining to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the DOJ would release several hundred thousand documents, including photographs and other investigative materials, although he indicated that the process would extend into the following weeks. This timeline raises concerns regarding compliance with the law, which required that all relevant documents be disclosed within a 30-day period. The law, which was overwhelmingly passed in Congress, stipulates that the DOJ must publicly disclose unclassified records and communications related to Epstein and Maxwell. It specifically outlines that documents cannot be withheld based on concerns of embarrassment or reputational harm. The first set of files was released shortly after 4 p.m. Eastern on Friday. The DOJ is also expected to provide additional materials, including flight logs and plea agreements, as investigations continue into Epstein's connections with various prominent figures. In light of the DOJ's announcement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the department for not adhering to the deadline set by the law. Schumer's statement emphasized the necessity for full compliance with the disclosure requirements. House Democrats, including Representatives Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, have expressed intentions to explore all legal avenues in response to the DOJ's failure to meet the deadline. They are assessing what documents may be withheld and the implications of such actions. Meanwhile, additional documents from Epstein's estate have been released by House Democrats, including images and other private files. These disclosures are part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency surrounding Epstein's activities. As the situation unfolds, the DOJ is under scrutiny to ensure that it complies fully with the law, and the release of documents is closely monitored by lawmakers and the public alike.