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▲ Good look for MassieCongress / MembersCriminal Justice

Epstein Files Update as Push for Neutral Expert Stalls

Massie joined Khanna in asking a federal judge to appoint an independent overseer for the file release.

Epstein Files Update as Push for Neutral Expert Stalls
Image · Newsweek

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Outlet credibilityNewsweek75/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 11, 2026
Newsweek
Jan 17, 2026
tl;dr

Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie asked a federal judge to appoint a special master to oversee the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. The Justice Department argues the lawmakers lack standing and that the court cannot grant their request; the judge is still considering it.

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18 VOTES
How does this story look for
Thomas Massie R · KY-4

Counts every outlet’s report of this story. See all 11

● OPEN
  • Readers of left-leaning coverage: not enough votes yet
  • Readers of right-leaning coverage: 79% good look
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Votes cast on this page: ▲ 0 · ◆ 0 · ▼ 0

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Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Representative seeking a special master to oversee the release of the Epstein files

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

Representative seeking a special master to oversee the release of the Epstein files

Khanna's version of this story ↗

Attorney general whose letter described the department’s file review

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President quoted in a December 2025 social media post about the files

ALSO MENTIONED  Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney arguing against the lawmakers’ request; Paul A. Engelmayer, Federal judge considering the request

Part of a bigger story

7 OUTLETS
Judge Rejects Massie and Khanna Request for Oversight of Epstein Files Release

A federal judge rejected Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna’s request for an independent monitor over the Justice Department’s release of Epstein-related records. Left-leaning outlets frame DOJ opposition as resistance to oversight and relay the lawmakers’ allegations. Center outlets focus on competing arguments about the court’s authority, with one report noting a missed deadline and outstanding records. Right-leaning outlets emphasize the judge’s rejection, with one report also noting possible routes for the lawmakers to pursue.

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