Rep. Adelita Grijalva has ‘no faith’ rest of the Epstein files will be released in timely manner

PHOENIX — Arizona U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva has “no faith” that the Justice Department will release the rest of the Epstein files in a timely manner after the documents it delivered Friday were incomplete.

“An act of Congress is not going to deter this administration from doing whatever they want,” Grijalva told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday. “The title of the law literally said ‘Epstein Transparency Act’ and not only did they not release all the information, they didn’t give us any indication as to what they are holding back, when they’re going to release it and any kind of timeline.”

After she waited a historic 50 days to be sworn in, Grijalva’s first official act was to be the final signature on a petition to force a vote on releasing files related to the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein trafficking case. The House and Senate proceeded to vote and overwhelmingly approve the legislation.

President Donald Trump then signed a bill on Nov. 19 that gave the Justice Department until Friday to release its files and communications related to Epstein, including information regarding the investigation into his death in a federal jail.

According to the Associated Press, United States Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News Channel that he expected the Justice Department to release “several hundred thousand” records on Friday and then several hundred thousand more in the weeks ahead.

Grijalva wants more communication regarding Epstein files release

Grijalva emphasized that all supporters of the records being released are asking for is transparency regarding the delivery of all of the documents.

“According to Trump, he was going to release all this information on Day One, which means he’s had at least 11 months to get this information together,” Grijalva said. “So what we need to do is continue to apply pressure (and) demand from this administration (the) justice that the survivors deserve and the legal consequences that are due to anyone that is found to have hurt children and women.”

The congresswoman added that Democratic leadership and survivor support groups are looking into every legal option available to get the rest of the files released.

Grijalva also called Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday a distraction from the incomplete drop and compared it to a “temper tantrum in real time.” She added that those who were watching could see the deterioration of his ability to communicate.

“We all should be very concerned about his ability to govern,” Grijalva said.

The congresswoman urged the public not to disengage and to continue to stay informed, speak out and demand the rest of the files be released.

“They were supposed to be released on Day One of this administration, and here we are into December and we still don’t have it,” Grijalva said. “So I have absolutely no faith that we’re going to see the information in any kind of timely manner unless they are compelled to do so legally. And even then, we’re not getting all of it.”

The Associated Press and KTAR New 92.3 FM’s Balin Overstolz-McNair contributed to this report.

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