“The FBI’s search efforts are ongoing,” according to a newly released “joint status report” filed with the U.S. District Court overseeing a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by Judicial Watch. “The FBI does not yet have an anticipated number of documents or anticipated dates for release,” the report continued.
The Executive Office for United States Attorneys echoed that message: “EOUSA’s initial search efforts are ongoing. EOUSA does not yet have an anticipated number of documents or anticipated dates for release,” the same report stated.
This update arrived just days after the Justice Department declared it had concluded its internal investigation into documents and any potential client list tied to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in his jail cell in August 2019. In that statement, Justice asserted Epstein died by suicide and claimed no client list existed—essentially signaling that the case was closed.
That declaration, however, sparked immediate backlash from supporters of former President Donald Trump, who had vowed to make Epstein-related information public. The announcement has also triggered calls from MAGA supporters for Attorney General Pam Bondi to resign.
Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, pointed to the mixed messaging as a key issue. “The Justice Department and FBI are sending out contradictory messages: telling the American people that no more Epstein material will be released, while telling the federal court in our case that the Epstein FOIA review is proceeding. But no matter, our FOIA lawsuit for the Epstein material continues. We will be relentless in demanding transparency under law,” he said Thursday, following the release of the July 7 joint status report.
Ooof.
— Mark Mitchell, Rasmussen Reports (@honestpollster) July 10, 2025
BBB? Epstein? Elon? pic.twitter.com/6nPjBJlDb0
The outrage over the Justice Department’s decision to halt further disclosures may also be taking a toll on Trump’s public approval. Rasmussen Reports recently noted a dip in his approval ratings and cited the Epstein controversy as a potential factor.
