Key Takeaways

• Two Senate Democrats demand answers from White House chief Susie Wiles.
• They question her access to Epstein files.
• They want to know her role in the partial release of records.
• The Justice Department missed a deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Senators Press Wiles on Epstein files Access

Two top Senate Democrats wrote to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. They want to know if she saw federal records on Jeffrey Epstein. They also ask if she helped release some files. The senators demand clear answers by January 5.

Background on the Epstein file records

Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier. He faced charges of sex trafficking young girls. He died in prison in 2019. Since then, Congress has tried to make his files public. Those records can show who Epstein met and when. Many people, including President Trump, appear in those documents.

President Trump knew Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. He flew on Epstein’s private plane, according to flight logs. However, Trump said he did nothing wrong. In 2022, he signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law. Yet the Justice Department has struggled to publish all documents on time.

Key Questions About Epstein files Role

Senate Judiciary ranking member Dick Durbin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse wrote the letter on December 22. They pointed to a recent Vanity Fair article. In that story, Wiles told a reporter she read “the Epstein file.” She said the president shows up in the records, but not doing anything illegal.

The senators then asked Wiles to explain:

• What materials were in “the Epstein file” she reviewed?
• Had any documents in the file been shown to a grand jury?
• When did she first see the file, and how long did she review it?
• Why did she request access to this information?
• Did she share what she read with President Trump?
• What was her role in reviewing or releasing those records?

They asked Wiles to respond by January 5. That date comes just after the deadline in the new law. The law required the Justice Department to publish all Epstein-related materials by December 19.

Delay by DOJ and Political Fallout

The Justice Department missed the December 19 deadline. Instead, it released files in small batches. Many documents remain heavily redacted. Critics say the department’s actions look bungled or even illegal.

Moreover, some Republicans in Congress delayed the bill’s passage. They cited concerns over privacy and national security. As a result, full public disclosure has lagged.

Because of the delay, Durbin and Whitehouse now question whether anyone else saw the records. If Wiles accessed them under official authority, she must explain her steps. Otherwise, she could face legal or ethical issues.

Implications for the White House

If Wiles reviewed and withheld records improperly, it could spark a scandal. It may fuel claims of unfair treatment or hidden information. Opponents could use the matter in the upcoming election.

Furthermore, the public has a right to know what happened in Epstein’s case. Transparency advocates say full access will expose any misconduct. It will also show who supported or ignored Epstein’s behavior.

What Happens Next

Susie Wiles must answer the senators by January 5. If she fails, Congress could hold hearings or issue subpoenas. Meanwhile, the Justice Department must continue publishing files under the law. The quality and timing of those releases will face close review.

Consequently, the battle over the Epstein files could shape future rules on document transparency. It might also affect public trust in both the White House and the Justice Department. Ultimately, clear answers will matter for the rule of law and government accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?

It is a law passed in late 2022. It requires the Justice Department to publish materials related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case. The deadline for full release was December 19.

Why are senators asking Susie Wiles about the Epstein files?

They want to know when and how she accessed federal records on Epstein. They also ask whether she helped decide which records to release or hide.

What happens if Wiles does not respond by January 5?

Senators could call her to testify in hearings. They may also issue a subpoena to force her cooperation or face legal penalties.

How have the Epstein files been released so far?

The Justice Department has missed its deadline. It released documents in small batches with heavy redactions. Many records still remain under seal.