Blanche says Khanna named ‘random people’ in House speech on Epstein files

The Hill

by Sarah Davis

February 13, 2026

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Blanche says Khanna named ‘random people’ in House speech on Epstein files

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has criticized Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) for allegedly exposing the names of "completely random people" linked to the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking during a House hearing, Blanche accused the lawmakers of unnecessarily revealing sensitive information tied to the DOJ's probe, which is still ongoing. This comes amid a bipartisan effort led by Khanna and Massie to push for the full release of Epstein-related files, which they argue should be made public in the interest of transparency. The two congressmen have been at the forefront of efforts to declassify and release all documents related to Epstein's case, including those tied to powerful individuals who may have had connections with him. However, Blanche argued that the lawmakers' actions could compromise the integrity of the investigation and potentially harm innocent individuals whose names were mentioned in the files. He emphasized that the DOJ is committed to transparency but stressed that there are limits to how much information should be disclosed to avoid unintended consequences. Blanche's remarks reflect a broader tension between legislative and executive branches over access to sensitive information. While Khanna and Massie argue that public trust in government requires full accountability, Blanche maintains that the DOJ must balance transparency with the need to protect ongoing investigations and individuals involved. This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing openness with the potential risks of prematurely revealing details tied to high-profile cases like Epstein's. The issue has sparked significant political attention, as supporters of Khanna and Massie see their push for transparency as a crucial step toward holding powerful figures accountable. Critics, however, caution against what they view as an overreach that could undermine legal processes and public trust in the DOJ. As the debate continues, it underscores the delicate balance between accountability and confidentiality in government operations.

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Originally published on The Hill on 2/13/2026