Attorney General Releases Initial Epstein Files Amidst Criticism : On February 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice released the first phase of declassified files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that these documents, termed "The Epstein Files: Phase 1," primarily consist of materials that had been previously leaked but were not formally disclosed by the government. The release aims to enhance transparency regarding Epstein's criminal activities.