Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche assured ABC News that there has been no effort to redact President Donald Trump’s name from files related to federal investigations into convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, Baltimore Chronicle. Blanche stated that as the Justice Department continues the phased release of hundreds of thousands of documents in the coming weeks, mentions of Trump, as well as other high-profile figures such as Bill Clinton and Reid Hoffman, are not being withheld.
In an interview with ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas, Blanche emphasized that all documents consistent with the law will be released, and there is no directive to remove names due to their public profile. He criticized Democratic lawmakers for selectively presenting information from Epstein’s estate to cast Trump negatively and reiterated that the President expects all releasable files to be published.
The DOJ released its first tranche of documents just hours after Blanche’s interview, containing little information regarding Trump. Some released materials, including images of former President Bill Clinton, drew attention on social media, leading Clinton’s spokesperson Angel Urena to deny wrongdoing and assert that the selective disclosure did not imply misconduct.
Blanche defended the department’s timeline and method of release under legislation signed by Trump, which mandates a 30-day deadline for the DOJ to publish Epstein-related investigative files. He explained that while not all documents were released immediately, protections for victims remain a priority, noting that over 1,200 victim names have been collected since the process began.
Regarding public confidence in Blanche’s impartiality, he emphasized the department’s career lawyers, rather than individual leaders, handle document review and redactions. Multiple trained attorneys from the National Security Division manage the process, ensuring compliance with established legal procedures.
Blanche also addressed the DOJ’s decision to transfer Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security prison facility in Texas. He stated the transfer was due to credible threats against her safety and clarified that Maxwell remains in federal custody, receiving no preferential treatment despite recent whistleblower claims.
Finally, Blanche confirmed ongoing investigations into former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. He stated the department continues to pursue charges based on evidence presented to grand juries and rejected suggestions that prosecutions are politically motivated. Both Comey and James have denied wrongdoing, and Blanche reaffirmed that all investigative actions are conducted according to standard legal procedures.
Erlier we wrote that Trump’s Name Added to Kennedy Center Facade After White House Announces Controversial Change.
