The Epstein Files Transparency Act: Attempts to hold prominent individuals accountable

The “Epstein files” refer to the massive files of photos, videos, emails and documents detailing the illegal activities of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who is known to have close connections with a great number of powerful and influential people around the world. In an attempt to expose the criminal offences and seek justice for victims, the Epstein Files Transparency Act went into effect on Nov. 19, 2025. The Epstein Files Transparency Act allowed for more than 3 million documents, photos and videos to be published for public view. However, a large portion of the files are still being withheld by federal investigators, including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The withheld documents are believed to contain references to high profile individuals, including the President of the United States Donald Trump. The files should be fully released to ensure transparency and hold those affiliated with Epstein accountable under the law.

In late 2025, Prince Andrew lost his royal titles due to civil lawsuits and his close association with Jeffrey Epstein. As more files were released, he was taken into custody under suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his ties to Epstein.

King Charles III stated during an interview with The Hill following Prince Andrew’s arrest,“what now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

This shows that individuals with high status and influence are still subject to legal investigation and consequences. Despite his position as a member of the royal family, Prince Andrew was not completely protected from investigation. This supports the idea that no one is above the law and that powerful individuals should still be held accountable for their actions. His case also demonstrates that accountability can extend beyond the United States, reinforcing that justice should apply equally regardless of status or location.

Many of the Epstein files contain allegations, but lack the type of direct legal evidence needed for prosecution, such as verified witness testimonies.

“There’s a lot of correspondence. There’s a lot of emails. There’s a lot of photographs. There’s a lot of horrible photographs that appear to be taken by Mr. Epstein or people around him … but that doesn’t allow us, necessarily, to prosecute somebody,” United States Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche explained in an interview with Politico.

This shows that while the legal system may not always have enough evidence to formally charge individuals, that does not mean those in power should avoid accountability entirely. Influential people connected to Jeffrey Epstein are still responsible for their actions and associations, even if they cannot be prosecuted in court. This highlights a gap between legal accountability and public or moral accountability, suggesting that powerful individuals should still face consequences such as public backlash, loss of position or reputation. Therefore, even without legal charges, influential figures should still be held accountable for their connections and decisions. U.S. Representative Thomas Massie said, “we can’t avoid justice just to avoid embarrassment for some very powerful men.”

Following public scrutiny, there have been many stepdowns across many companies after the release of 3.9 million files. Those who have experienced stepdowns include companies such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, World Economic Forum, OpenAI, and more.

Hanna Ziady from CNN wrote in an article about CEO of World Economic Forum, Børge Brende’s stepdown after the release of the files. “There was no indication Brende engaged in wrongdoing, but he joins a growing slate of business leaders and others who have had their career derailed by revelations contained in the Epstein files, published by the US Justice Department since late December.”

This demonstrates that even without confirmed wrongdoing, even mere association with powerful figures like Jeffrey Epstein can damage reputations and career. Public accountability always extends beyond legal guilt. The fallout described by Ziady suggests that leaders are still held responsible for their connections and judgment, reinforcing the idea that positions of power come with heightened investigations. This supports the argument that power does not shield individuals from consequences; instead, it often increases expectations for ethical awareness and responsibility.

In Nov. 2025, Trump reluctantly signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would allow public release of, if not, all of the files. Yet, continuously the DOJ and FBI still withhold many of the files from the public.

The DOJ and FBI under the Trump administration have released only 50 percent of the 6 million Epstein files identified according to Office of Public Affairs. The other 50 percent of files are claimed to be withheld because of safety for victims and mostly contains redacted information. The DOJ has redacted more than 96 percent of the mentions of President Trump in certain documents of the files. The DOJ is withholding files that contain a woman’s accusations against Trump for sexual assault claiming that it was withheld for review. The reason being it was “incorrectly coded as duplicative.”

This shows that even when transparency laws are passed, those in power can still control what information the public is allowed to see. The fact that only part of the files were released, while large portions of the files still remain hidden or heavily edited, suggests that important details may be kept from the public. While the government claims it is to protect victims, the high percentage of redactions which especially to those that connect to President Trump, raises concerns about whether information is being withheld to avoid political damage. This supports the idea that power can influence accountability, because leaders or institutions may limit access to information in order to protect themselves rather than be fully transparent.

Less than one percent of the prominent associated figures with Epstein have been criminally charged. Co-conspirators of Epstein are still not yet to be charged and their cases dropped as they have been labeled as victims rather than co-conspiriters. Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of McGraw-Hill School Publishing Co.’s past owner, Robert Maxwell, and co-conspiriter to Epstein, had been the only individual criminally prosecuted based directly from Epstein’s criminal activities.

An article published in The New York Times by Benjamin Weiser, Matthew Goldstein and Mike Baker discusses the Epstein file and ongoing prosecutions. The DOJ currently “do not plan to file additional charges related to Mr. Epstein based on materials in the latest disclosures.”

This suggests that justice is not evenly applied, because only one major figure faced punishment while others connected to the same crimes did not. It raises concerns that wealth, status, or influence may have protected certain individuals from being fully investigated or charged. This supports the idea that power can limit accountability. People with higher social or political influence may be less likely to face consequences compared to others involved in the same situation.

In the end, ordinary people still have the power to make a difference. By voting, we can hold powerful and influential leaders accountable and make sure they follow the law. It is important to support representatives who stand for transparency. This includes efforts like the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and who truly serve the people. We must also speak up and demand accountability from those in power, remembering that no one is above the law. At the same time, we should support victims and the programs that help them heal and seek justice. Real change starts with everyday people choosing to stay informed, take action, and stand up for what is right.

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