Deadline: White House “The latest Epstein files release”
Feb 2, 2026
Ian Bassin, a democracy watchdog and former Justice Department official; Tara Palmieri, investigative journalist who has covered the Epstein case; Dani Bensky, survivor and advocate. They unpack the DOJ’s massive Epstein files release with unredacted names and photos. Conversations cover re-traumatization from exposed materials, reporting on redaction failures, and how powerful networks protected abuse.
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Haphazard Release Re-Traumatizes Survivors
- The DOJ released three million Epstein-related documents but did so with sloppy, inconsistent redactions that exposed survivors.
- Survivors and journalists found names, addresses, phone numbers and unredacted photos, demonstrating the release harmed victims more than it helped transparency.
Files Reveal Epstein's Vast Power Network
- The newly released files mention many powerful figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Prince Andrew and others, though mentions don't equate to proven crimes.
- Presence in Epstein's records highlights his vast network and proximity to power across industries and administrations.
Survivor Describes Personal Re-Traumatization
- Dani Bensky described finding her full name, address and a blacked-out photo in the released files and said it reawakened shame and trauma.
- She said survivors asked for transparency but never requested being exposed and now feel unsafe and re-traumatized.
