DOJ responds to Rep. Luna’s request for Epstein, JFK files as AG Bondi promises transparency

Republican Lawmakers Push for Release of Classified Documents on Epstein, JFK, MLK, and RFK

Background: The Quest for Transparency
Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), have been intensifying their efforts to pressure the Department of Justice (DOJ) into releasing classified documents related to some of the most infamous events in American history. These include the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), as well as the case of financier Jeffrey Epstein, who faced charges of sex trafficking before his death in 2019. The push for transparency gained momentum after President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month, directing federal agencies to prepare plans for the declassification of top-secret files, including those tied to these cases. Rep. Luna, who heads the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, has been at the forefront of this initiative, demanding briefings and document releases from the DOJ.

Rep. Luna’s Efforts and the DOJ’s Response
On February 11 and February 19, Rep. Luna sent letters to the DOJ, requesting updates on the status of the declassification process and any relevant documents tied to the Epstein case and the Kennedy and King assassinations. However, she initially faced radio silence from the department. Frustrated by the lack of response, Luna took to social media, tagging Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials, to demand answers. Her persistence finally paid off when the DOJ replied on February 22. In their response, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Patrick D. Davis thanked Luna for her inquiries and acknowledged her request for written confirmation of the release dates and locations of the records. Davis emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights while fulfilling its legal obligations. He added that the department was reviewing her requests and looked forward to further engagement to meet her oversight needs. While the letter was polite and assured cooperation, it stopped short of providing the specific details Luna and her team were seeking.

The Epstein Files: A Delicate Balancing Act
One of the most closely watched aspects of this declassification effort is the potential release of Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. Epstein, a wealthy financier with ties to powerful figures, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The public has long called for transparency regarding the individuals who allegedly engaged in illegal activities with Epstein, and Rep. Luna has been vocal about the need to shed light on these connections. Attorney General Pam Bondi, during a recent appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime, provided a glimmer of hope, stating that her office plans to release information about Epstein. She mentioned that over 250 alleged victims’ identities must be protected, but she hinted at the imminent release of flight logs and other details. “What you’re going to see, hopefully tomorrow, is a lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot of information,” Bondi said, describing Epstein’s actions as “sick.”

The JFK, MLK, and RFK Assassinations: Declassification Deadline Looms
President Trump’s executive order also set deadlines for the declassification of files related to the assassinations of JFK, MLK, and RFK. The JFK files were due for release by February 7, while the MLK and RFK records are set to follow by March 9. The order instructs the DOJ to coordinate with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Advisor, and the White House Counsel to establish a declassification plan. Rep. Luna has been pushing for updates on these efforts, sending letters to officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Bondi, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and White House Counsel David Warrington. In her letter, Luna requested a briefing by February 23 to discuss the status of the declassification process. While the DOJ’s response to Luna acknowledged her request, it did not provide clarity on whether these deadlines would be met or what specific information would be made public.

Ongoing Debate: Balancing National Security and the Public’s Right to Know
The push for declassification has sparked a broader debate about balancing national security concerns with the public’s right to know. While transparency advocates argue that the release of these documents could finally provide answers to lingering questions about these high-profile cases, some officials have raised concerns about the potential risks. For instance, the Epstein case involves sensitive information about victims and alleged perpetrators, and the JFK assassination files may contain details that could impact national security or diplomatic relations. The DOJ’s cautious approach reflects these complexities, as it seeks to protect sensitive information while honoring its legal obligations to disclose records. Rep. Luna and her allies, however, argue that the public has waited long enough for answers and that continued secrecy only fuels distrust in government institutions.

Looking Ahead: Will the Public Finally Get Answers?
As the deadlines for declassification approach, the nation waits with bated breath to see whether the DOJ and other agencies will comply with Trump’s executive order and Rep. Luna’s requests. While Attorney General Bondi’s promise to release Epstein-related information this week offers some hope, delays or further obstructions could reignite concerns about government secrecy. For many Americans, the release of these documents represents a chance to uncover the truth about events that have shaped the country’s history and contributed to ongoing skepticism about official narratives. Whether the DOJ and other agencies deliver on their promises remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the push for transparency is far from over.