DOJ criticized for calling journalist "you dope" on X while releasing disputed Epstein documents late and redacted.

On Christmas Eve 2025, the Justice Department faced criticism after its X account called a journalist “you dope” in a heated exchange over the release of disputed Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The DOJ defended posting a letter allegedly from Epstein to Larry Nassar, claiming it was required to release all materials in its possession, though the FBI later found the handwriting, postmark, and return address inconsistent with Epstein’s incarceration. The department missed a deadline set by the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, releasing heavily redacted files instead. Rep. Thomas Massie questioned the control of the DOJ’s social media account, raising concerns about political influence and transparency, as the White House’s alleged takeover of the account sparked debate over the separation of powers.