Conservatives Fume Over Epstein Document Release: 'Total Letdown'

The Justice Department's rollout of the Epstein files this week has triggered a wave of criticism, with many conservatives expressing their frustration over the perceived lack of substantial information and the sluggish pace of the release. It's like waiting for a pizza that never arrives, only to find out it's just a cheese-less crust. Initial expectations were high, fueled by the anticipation of a revealing "client list" linked to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. However, the released documents didn't deliver any groundbreaking revelations, leading to widespread disappointment. The DOJ even admitted that some documents were still being located, adding to the frustration. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) didn't mince words, stating on X, "I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today… A NY Post story just revealed that the documents will simply be Epstein's phonebook. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!" Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the delay indicates a lack of presidential control over the DOJ and FBI. "The fact that the Epstein files haven’t yet been released demonstrates that the President doesn’t yet have operational control of the DOJ and FBI," Massie posted on X. "It could take a while to establish, or as with his first term, it might never be established." The presence of conservative influencers at the White House, holding binders labeled "The Epstein Files Phase 1," also drew criticism. Tony Kinnett, an investigative columnist for the Daily Signal, sarcastically commented on X about the rollout. "Pam Bondi: ‘We're releasing the first of the Epstein files tomorrow.’ Americans: ‘Cool! Then we'll get to read them?’ Bondi: ‘Well actually you'll get to see fun little photo shoots of conservative personalities & influencers holding a binder!’" Conservative commentator Matt Walsh emphasized the need for transparency over theatrical displays. "Not interested in some big theatrical rollout of the Epstein files, if they even exist anymore," Walsh posted. "Put them online for everyone to see. Hold a press conference to walk us through it. There’s a time for showmanship and a time to be direct and boring. This is definitely the latter." Bonchie, a writer for Red State, tempered expectations, suggesting that the files might not contain any truly game-changing information. "The most likely outcome of the ‘Epstein Files’ has always been that it's mostly stuff we already knew and nothing truly game-changing," Bonchie posted. "That's even more true for the JFK files. If that's the case, just admit it and move on. Stop hyping this crap up and then not delivering." Attorney General Pam Bondi attributed the delay to an FBI field office in New York, stating that the office possessed thousands of pages of documents that were not initially provided. She said she was assured by the FBI that she had received the full set of documents, but later discovered that wasn't the case. Bondi stated that she would receive the full and complete Epstein files by February 28, with no withholdings or limitations. As of Friday afternoon, no new files had been released. Even Elon Musk weighed in, defending Bondi against accusations of a botched rollout, noting that change takes time. Patel, the FBI Director, addressed the situation on X, promising a new era of integrity and accountability within the bureau. "The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice," Patel wrote. I'm sure everyone's crossing their fingers that the FBI can deliver on that promise.