‘Busted for Bogus Claim’: Judge Slams Blanche as Epstein Files Case Hits New Low

A federal judge has accused Attorney General Todd Blanche of making false statements to the court as the Justice Department continues to stonewall the release of the Epstein files. The latest ruling comes as Blanche faces growing legal pressure, with the judge warning of contempt proceedings if the administration does not comply.

WASHINGTON – The Epstein files controversy has taken a dramatic new turn, with Attorney General Todd Blanche facing a blistering judicial rebuke over what critics are calling a "bogus claim" in the ongoing legal battle over the release of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The case, brought by independent journalist Katie Phang, alleges that Blanche and the Department of Justice violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act — and with it, Phang's First Amendment freedom of the press rights . U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has now signaled he is prepared to hold the administration in contempt over its refusal to comply with court orders.

During a recent hearing, Judge Sullivan lectured DOJ attorneys for a full 20 minutes, warning them repeatedly: "That's not a threat, it's a promise" . The judge's fury was directed at what he viewed as deliberate obstruction of court orders and the release of documents mandated by Congress.

The 'Bogus Claim' That Prompted the Slap-Down

According to legal analysts close to the case, the "bogus claim" referenced in the viral graphic refers to Blanche's repeated assertion that the DOJ has fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. In reality, the department has released only about half of the total files, with Blanche describing the rest as falling into "limited categories that are not eligible for release" .

The transparency act, passed by Congress by an overwhelming 427-1 vote in the House, required the DOJ to release all Epstein-related files by December 19, 2025 . The department missed that deadline and has since released documents in batches — many heavily redacted, some later withdrawn after victims complained that sensitive personal information was exposed .

But the most damning allegation is that Blanche misled the court about the scope of the release. Sources familiar with the case say Blanche claimed in legal filings that the department had produced approximately 3.5 million pages in compliance with the law . However, independent reviews have suggested the department has withheld thousands of additional documents, including unredacted materials that could identify powerful figures connected to Epstein's network .

The New Mexico Connection: Stonewalling a State Investigation

Adding to Blanche's legal woes, the Attorney General of New Mexico, Raul Torrez, has filed a lawsuit against Blanche and the DOJ for "stonewalling, blocking and obstructing" a state investigation into crimes committed at Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico .

The lawsuit alleges that the DOJ has refused to cooperate with state investigators, even as New Mexico officials seek to uncover the full extent of Epstein's criminal enterprise on the property. The ranch was one of Epstein's key properties, and investigators believe it may hold crucial evidence about his network .

Glenn Kirschner, a former federal prosecutor and legal commentator, characterized the suit as further proof that "Todd Blanche and Donald Trump's dirty DOJ leadership are protecting the Epstein class and in the process continuing to victimize the Epstein survivors" .

Judicial Pressure Mounts

The pressure on Blanche has been building for weeks. On July 25, 2026, a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to turn over key unredacted Epstein files for judicial review . The order came after the DOJ refused to voluntarily comply with transparency requests.

Blanche has also been accused of refusing to testify under oath about his failures to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act . Legal experts say the refusal could lead to additional sanctions from Judge Sullivan, who is growing increasingly impatient with the administration's stonewalling .

The judge has indicated he is prepared to hold Blanche in contempt of court if the department does not produce the required documents. "It's not a threat, it's a promise," Sullivan said during a recent hearing, according to attendees .

Blanche's Confirmation Under Siege

The Epstein files controversy has also jeopardized Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Blanche faced fierce questioning from both Democrats and Republicans over the DOJ's handling of the Epstein documents .

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a key swing vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned he would not vote to advance Blanche's nomination unless the nominee meets with Epstein survivors and their lawyers . Tillis said: "I expect that meeting to occur before I'm willing to vote out of this committee. I'm trying to get to yes, but this is a very important part of getting yes" .

Democrats on the committee have pledged to uniformly oppose Blanche, leaving the acting attorney general unable to afford even a single Republican defection . Epstein survivors have testified that they requested meetings with Blanche for months but have not received a response .

The Epstein Files: A Case of Broken Promises

The controversy over the Epstein files dates back to November 2025, when Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by an overwhelming majority . The law required the DOJ to release all files related to Epstein's criminal network by December 19, 2025.

The department began releasing documents on December 19 but quickly faced criticism over heavy redactions and selective release. The first batch contained numerous references to former President Bill Clinton, prompting accusations that the DOJ was protecting prominent figures in President Trump's Republican camp . Later batches included references to Trump himself .

In February 2026, the DOJ released its largest batch yet — more than 3 million pages, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images . However, the department later withdrew "several thousand documents and media" after victims complained that sensitive information had been inadvertently exposed .

Despite the release, Blanche has insisted that the files do not necessarily provide grounds to prosecute anyone — a statement that critics have characterized as a quiet attempt to close the book on a story that refuses to end .

What Comes Next

The legal battle over the Epstein files shows no signs of abating. Judge Sullivan has indicated he will hold further hearings to determine whether the DOJ has complied with his orders . Meanwhile, Blanche's confirmation remains in limbo as lawmakers demand answers.

For Epstein survivors and their advocates, the fight for full transparency continues. As one survivor told the court: "The lives of nearly 100 individual survivors have been turned upside down by the DOJ's latest release" .

The investigation is ongoing. More than 3.5 million pages have been released — but thousands remain hidden. And the judge is threatening contempt proceedings if the DOJ continues to stonewall.