UPDATE: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing a significant scandal after a top official was secretly recorded making incendiary comments about manipulating evidence related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Joseph Schnitt, an Acting Deputy Chief in the DOJ, was caught on video discussing plans to redact names of conservative individuals from the Epstein files, revealing serious internal conflicts within the department.
The shocking footage, released online on October 26, 2023, by political activist James O’Keefe, shows Schnitt unaware he was speaking to an undercover operative from the O’Keefe Media Group. He claimed that the DOJ would “redact every Republican or conservative person in those files” while leaving liberal names untouched, leading to a biased narrative.
Schnitt also disclosed concerning details about Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice, stating her transfer to a lower security prison was against established policies for convicted sex offenders. “They’re offering her something to keep her mouth shut,” he said, raising alarms about the integrity of ongoing investigations.
This incident has prompted immediate damage control from Attorney General Pam Bondi as she grapples with mounting criticism over how her office has handled the Epstein case, which has been a source of controversy since Epstein’s death in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
In a bizarre twist, Schnitt sent an email to a superior detailing the circumstances of his encounter with the operative he met on the Hinge dating app. “I met a woman named Skylar in July 2025… She gave no clues that she was a reporter or recording our date,” he explained, pleading ignorance over the comments made during their meetings.
The DOJ responded through its spokesperson’s social media account, stating that Schnitt’s comments “have absolutely zero bearing with reality” and emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency. However, this damage control has done little to quell the controversy, as the scandal has fueled speculation of a cover-up involving the Epstein files.
Adding to the urgency, the House Oversight Committee has been under pressure to release more information. Earlier this week, they disclosed over 33,000 DOJ files related to Epstein, including jail surveillance footage and court documents. Critics argue that much of this material was already public, further igniting accusations of an ongoing cover-up.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse gathered on Capitol Hill to share their stories and demand accountability, highlighting the human impact of this scandal. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over the Epstein case, labeling it a “Democratic hoax” meant to distract from his administration’s achievements.
This unfolding drama not only jeopardizes the credibility of the DOJ but also poses serious questions about the integrity of high-profile investigations. As the fallout continues, all eyes are on Attorney General Bondi and her handling of this explosive situation. Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops.
