Attorney General Todd Blanche Slammed by Lawyer Over Epstein Files Appeal

Attorney General Todd Blanche is under fire after appealing a judge’s order to release documents related to the Epstein files, drawing a profanity-laced rebuke from attorney Katie Phang, who is suing him. The dispute has intensified following Blanche’s recent appeal filed on August 24, 2026, challenging a June preliminary injunction issued by Senior U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan. Phang publicly criticized Blanche’s legal strategy in a video posted on Instagram, accusing him of ignoring court directives and undermining transparency.

Phang’s Public Rebuke: ‘You Look Dumb’

Katie Phang, an attorney and independent journalist, has been aggressively pursuing the release of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the Justice Department to publish FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein by December 19, 2025. After Blanche claimed compliance earlier this year, Phang’s lawsuit forced the matter back into the courtroom. In her Instagram video, Phang delivered a blunt message to Blanche, saying, “He either granted the motion or he didn’t.” She criticized Blanche’s appeal as either an attempt to mislead the court or a sign of legal ignorance.

Phang went further, stating, “If he didn’t grant the motion, then what the f— are you appealing? If he granted the motion, then you have been violating all sorts of canons and ethics and rules by pretty much trying to snow the court — which, trust me, Judge Sullivan has got your f—ing number — or you’re so damn stupid, you don’t know what the hell is going on.” Her comments underscore the intense frustration over Blanche’s handling of the records and the broader transparency effort.

Judge Sullivan’s Firm Stance and Blanche’s Legal Challenges

Senior U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has repeatedly pushed back against attempts to delay or withhold the Epstein files. In June 2026, he refused two separate requests by Blanche to stay the release of documents and denied a third stay request filed by the Justice Department earlier this week. Sullivan’s prior warnings to Justice lawyers about contempt proceedings indicate the court’s impatience with ongoing delays.

In his June opinion, Sullivan noted that Blanche’s failure to respond substantively to Phang’s complaint effectively conceded the merits of her arguments. Blanche’s recent filings argue that whether the court’s June injunction is appealable remains “inconclusive,” a position Phang and legal experts have sharply criticized. The judge’s firm approach signals a clear expectation that the Justice Department comply fully with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Unreleased Documents and Redaction Controversies

Despite declaring the Justice Department’s compliance in January 2026, Blanche has withheld certain materials, including handwritten notes from four FBI interviews. He argues these notes are duplicative and pose risks to victims’ privacy. The delay in releasing the required redaction log — which only appeared on August 27, 2026 — has further fueled criticism.

Phang insists the withheld notes and delayed disclosures obstruct public knowledge and victim rights, emphasizing that the court and the public deserve full transparency. Judge Sullivan underscored this point at an August 13 hearing, stating, “The public has a right to know what the hell is going on in this case. The victims have a right to know. The court has a right to know.”

Implications for Justice Department and Public Trust

The Epstein Files Transparency Act was designed to shed light on one of the most controversial investigations in recent history. Blanche’s resistance and the Justice Department’s cautious approach have raised questions about accountability within the federal agency. Phang has not only criticized Blanche’s legal tactics but also pointed out that he has never filed an official answer to her complaint, which could place him in default.

This ongoing legal battle highlights tensions between government transparency advocates and officials tasked with protecting sensitive information. As the appeals process unfolds, public scrutiny of Blanche’s actions and the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files will likely intensify.

The dispute over the Epstein records remains unresolved, with both sides entrenched in a legal fight that continues to captivate national attention. With Judge Sullivan signaling limited patience for delays, the coming weeks could prove critical for the release of these long-awaited documents.