As pressure mounts for a full release of the storied Jeffrey Epstein files, former US Attorney Barbara McQuade outlined limits on information the Department of Justice can legally make public, and the options Congress has to force its release.
Appearing on MSNBC Wednesday, McQuade explained that while the White House previously hinted at explosive revelations, the DOJ itself is subject to strict rules protecting grand jury materials and the privacy of suspects investigated but never charged.
“There are some restrictions under DOJ grand jury rules, under grand jury laws and under the Freedom of Information Act,” McQuade said. “They are not permitted to disclose any grand jury material.”
“If somebody was investigated for perhaps being part of this conspiracy to engage in sex acts with underage children — if there was not sufficient evidence to charge them with a crime — it would be improper for the DOJ to voluntarily disclose that,” she clarified.
However, McQuade noted that Congress has the ability to override existing limits. “Congress can override that with some of these actions that they’re talking about,” she said, referring to legislation or specific resolutions compelling disclosure.
The comments come amid criticism of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who initially fueled speculation by dramatically releasing binders labeled “Volume One” and suggesting there was a secret list of clients “sitting on [her] desk.” Bondi walked back those statements with the release of a DOJ and FBI memo last week stating there was no additional information related to the Epstein case to disclose.
“I think what they’re finding is governing is much more challenging than simply spewing venom on Fox News or social media,” McQuade suggested.
“At some point they expect you to deliver the goods,” she said. “And I think right now we are seeing that there are no goods to be delivered.”
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