The United States Department of Justice released a large trove of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, just eight hours before the deadline mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release marks the largest collection of Epstein-related documents to date, but the DOJ did not release all the documents in its possession, potentially setting off a legal fight.

According to sources, the DOJ and FBI have been reviewing records since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, uncovering more than 300 gigabytes of data and physical evidence. The joint memo from the DOJ and FBI in July stated that not all of this information is part of the current release. The DOJ is allowed to withhold or redact certain categories of information from public disclosure.

The release of the Epstein files has sparked immediate reaction from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Some have hailed the move as a significant step towards transparency, while others have expressed concerns that the DOJ may be withholding crucial information. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law last month, mandated the release of the documents by Friday.

The Epstein case has been a long-standing issue, with Epstein's death in 2019 while in federal custody sparking widespread controversy. The case has also raised questions about the handling of sex trafficking investigations and the power of wealthy and influential individuals.

The DOJ's decision to withhold some documents has raised questions about the potential for a legal fight, which could lead to impeachment or prosecution of department officials under the law. The exact implications of this move are still unclear, but it is likely to be a contentious issue in the coming weeks and months.