Raskin Accuses Justice Dept. of Epstein Document Cover-Up

Raskin Alleges Justice Department Engaged in “Cover-Up” of Epstein Documents

In a fiery critique, Congressman Jamie Raskin has accused the Department of Justice under the Trump administration of orchestrating a “profound, systematic, enduring cover-up” concerning the documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Raskin asserts that the department is deliberately delaying the release of crucial information, hindering congressional oversight and preventing the American public from accessing the full truth, as mandated by the Epstein Transparency Act.

“Not a Game of Hide-and-Seek”: Raskin Demands Full Document Disclosure

Raskin emphasized that the ongoing process is not a “game of hide and seek” but a federal command to the Department of Justice to turn over all documents, with the exception of victims’ names. He expressed frustration with the current approach, where the department allegedly engages in “little skirmishes every day” over document redactions and accessibility, rather than complying with the spirit and letter of the law. The congressman called for a “complete reset” in the relationship between Congress and the DOJ, demanding that all documents be made accessible on Capitol Hill, not in restricted DOJ facilities with limited access.

“We need a reset here. We need all documents to be turned over to Congress. They’ve got to be accessible on Capitol Hill, not in some Department of Justice adjunct building where DOJ employees… It’s got to be available not just members of Congress but to our staff members…”

The congressman highlighted the inadequacy of the current system, which provides only four computers for accessing the documents, arguing that a more robust setup, akin to 40 computers, is necessary to accommodate congressional staff who act as “alter egos” in legislative and oversight duties. Raskin voiced his concern for survivors like Danny Bensky, who have fought for transparency, only to see their efforts potentially undermined by what he described as a “prolonged, sustained cover-up.”

Attorney General’s Evasive Tactics Under Scrutiny

Raskin also criticized Attorney General William Barr’s conduct, noting her refusal to answer direct questions from Democratic members during a previous appearance before the Judiciary Committee. He characterized her responses as filibustering, subject changes, and statistical recitations, rather than direct answers to representatives of the people. Drawing a parallel to former President Donald Trump, Raskin suggested that Barr, like Trump, feels “completely above the law.”

The congressman expressed hope for bipartisan support on the Oversight Committee to demand answers from the Attorney General. However, he stressed the urgency of ensuring that the law is complied with, stating, “It’s not a game of hide and go seek. This was a federal command to the Department of Justice to turn over all the documents…”

Calls for Accountability: From Epstein to Kristi Noem

Beyond the Epstein documents, Raskin extended his calls for accountability to other areas, specifically mentioning comments made about Kristi Noem, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Trump. Raskin pointed to an NBC News report detailing his assertion that there were “murders that took place under her watch. There was mass violence and violation of people’s civil rights and civil liberties. There has been intense corruption and rampant lying in the courts and disobeying of court orders.”

Raskin outlined a two-pronged approach to achieving a “reckoning” for Noem. Firstly, he called for continued congressional oversight, expressing hope that it could be successfully conducted by Republicans but vowing that Democrats would pursue it if they gain control after the November elections. Secondly, he advocated for a real criminal investigation into homicides, including those committed by federal agents, and an investigation into the hundreds of millions of dollars allegedly channeled to political allies and intimates by Noem. He criticized the use of taxpayer money for self-promoting ad campaigns while programs like Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance were being cut.

“Rectifying Violations of the Rule of Law”

The congressman also raised concerns about Department of Justice agents allegedly lying to federal judges, submitting evidence of judicial statements regarding “preposterous things” approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the DOJ. Raskin insisted that these violations of the rule of law cannot be ignored, as they set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. He argued that the current administration has been “setting a new precedent every day” in how such issues are addressed.

With legislative oversight capacity seemingly diminished in both the House and Senate due to leadership decisions, Raskin highlighted the responsibility of incoming leadership to take control of investigations. He noted Senator Blumenthal’s indication that the Senate’s permanent subcommittee on investigations would look into whether Noem lied under oath during a previous Senate hearing. Raskin sees Democrats in the House and Senate as potentially creating a “pincer move” to hold individuals accountable, emphasizing the importance of laying down the law and clearing the deck to demonstrate seriousness about combating corruption.

The Truth as a Weapon Against Corruption

Referencing the imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his book “Patriot,” Raskin echoed the sentiment that telling the truth is the most powerful action individuals can take against corrupt regimes. He stated, “The one thing that everybody has got to do every day is tell the truth because that is the thing that the thieves and liars and hypocrites who run the regime can’t handle because their government runs on lies.” Raskin concluded by asserting that the current situation in Washington mirrors this dynamic, where a government operating on falsehoods must be confronted with the unvarnished truth.

Looking Ahead: Accountability and Transparency

The coming months will be critical in determining whether Congress can effectively secure the release of the Epstein documents and whether investigations into alleged misconduct by figures like Kristi Noem will gain traction. The focus will be on the Department of Justice’s response to demands for transparency and the potential for legislative action to enforce accountability, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of the upcoming elections. The pursuit of truth and adherence to the rule of law remain central themes as these complex issues unfold.

Source: Raskin: Epstein document drop 'not a game of hide-and-seek' (YouTube)