POLITICS

Lawmakers Allege DOJ Tracked Epstein-File Search Histories

PUBLISHED Feb 12, 2026, 11:58 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

WASHINGTON. Lawmakers this week publicly released photographs that suggest the Justice Department tracked search histories of members reviewing less‑redacted Jeffrey Epstein files at a department annex and on department-owned computers. Rep. Jamie Raskin requested a Justice Department inspector general investigation, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal and others demanded a full accounting. Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed a binder during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that included a page labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History." House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly criticized tracking as inappropriate. Congress and the Justice Department are pursuing ongoing inquiries this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

DOJ established a satellite review office for less-redacted Epstein files this week.
Lawmakers accessed files at the department annex and on department computers this week.
During a Wednesday hearing, Pam Bondi displayed a binder page labeled with a lawmaker's search history.
Photographs of the binder page circulated and drew public attention.
Rep. Jamie Raskin requested an inspector general investigation and Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the tracking.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Oversight officials and some members of Congress obtained photographic evidence and public statements that prompted requests for an inspector general review and congressional scrutiny of document-access procedures.

Who Impacted

The Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi faced public criticism and increased scrutiny after photographs suggested tracking of lawmakers' search histories while reviewing Epstein-related files.