Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has written to FBI Director Kash Patel, urging the bureau to ensure the security of released Jeffrey Epstein files and investigate potential political interference or tampering. Subramanyam is a member of the House Oversight Committee. He, along with many other Democrats, is concerned about President Trump’s influence in handling the documents.
‘Tampering, destroying, or selectively releasing files’
In the letter, Subramanyam wrote,
“The American people understandably have concerns about the President using his political influence over the files’ release and either tampering, destroying, or selectively releasing and withholding files, particularly in light of the Department of Justice’s announcement to start investigating Democrats who were associated with Epstein.”
The Congressman’s request follows “concerning anecdotal reports” suggesting possible tampering, including claims that an acting deputy chief at the Department of Justice indicated all Republican names were being redacted, according to New India Abroad. He also cited statements by Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein on NewsNation alleging that Trump administration officials were “scrubbing the files to take Republican names out” and that the Justice Department’s shift in approach was linked to sabotage of the original files.“These reports do nothing to inspire confidence of a complete release of all of the Epstein files, no matter the political affiliation of the people named,” Subramanyam wrote, adding that victims and their families “deserve full justice and accountability.”Subramanyam asked the FBI to clarify by the weekend that who will be responsible for redacting and approving changes to the files, whether Attorney General Bondi had physical possession of the documents earlier this year, and what security measures are in place at the FBI’s Central Records Complex. He also requested an in-person visit to Winchester or any other facility where relevant files are stored. Additionally, he enquired whether any Epstein-related records have been accessed, altered, or tampered with since January 20, the day Trump assumed office for his second term.The Congressman spoke last week after the House passed the bill mandating the Department of Justice to release all unclassified Epstein-related documents within 30 days. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on November 19. The Justice Department has said it will comply “with maximum transparency.”
Previous statement
Subramanyam also discussed the need for accountability and transparency in a statement last week after voting for the release of Epstein files.
“I just voted YES to release the Epstein files to the public, but we didn’t need this vote. The Oversight Committee subpoenaed these files months ago, and the President could have just released them. While we already have the files released by the Epstein Estate, the FBI and DOJ are sitting on tens of thousands more.”
“The brave survivors, and the American people, deserve the truth. For too long, powerful and rich people have evaded accountability for their association with Jeffrey Epstein. As a member of the House Oversight Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to conduct a full, thorough investigation, and finally hold those who committed heinous crimes against girls accountable.”
