Canceled MSNBC host makes bold move against new AG Todd Blanche in attempt to unearth Epstein files

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER Published: 01:56, 29 April 2026 | Updated: 02:08, 29 April 2026 Former MSNBC host Katie Phang is suing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Justice Department's failure to properly release the Epstein files. Phang, who went independent after being canceled by the liberal network last year, alleges that Blanche's actions were a 'brazen, shocking and ongoing violation' of US law by stalling their release in a suit filed Monday. She claims the Justice Department failed to enact a law passed by Congress that compels them to release the files by December 19, 2025.  'This case is about defendant Todd Blanche's brazen, shocking, and ongoing violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act,' the lawsuit states.  Democrats in Washington have argued that millions of files remain unreleased, while last week the DOJ's office of the inspector general is launching an audit into whether it has complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.  The DOJ is also investigating if it wrongfully withheld documents in the Epstein files containing allegations against President Donald Trump.  Blanche served as deputy attorney general when Pam Bondi started releasing the files related to the late billionaire pedophile.  Phang argued that Blanche failed to produce known documents, redacted material after they were publicly released and redacted mentions of Trump without any lawful basis.  Former MSNBC host Katie Phang (pictured) is suing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Justice Department's failure to properly release the Epstein files Phang, who went independent after being canceled by the liberal network last year, alleges that Blanche's (pictured left) actions were a 'brazen, shocking and ongoing violation' of US law by stalling their release in a suit filed Monday Her suit asks the court to declare the Justice Department is acting illegally and order the release of any required documents and remove illegal redactions. She also seeks an explanation for any remaining redactions and wants a special master to oversee the DOJ's compliance with the suit. Blanche has admitted details may have fallen through the cracks with the speed in which the millions of files, including images, emails and estate documents, were made public.  'The Trump Administration is deliberately violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act, withholding records Congress ordered it to release, and making it harder for the public to understand the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and the powerful people in their orbit,' Phang told The Daily Mail when reached for comment. 'As a journalist, it’s my job to find the truth and hold powerful people accountable when they break the law. Survivors, and the wider American public, deserve answers, and the law requires the government to provide them.' MeidasTouch, who employ Phang, argue in a statement on their website that 'the DOJ's actions have directly harmed her ability to report on Epstein's network and the government's handling of the case.' 'As a journalist who has extensively covered Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, she contends that incomplete and improperly redacted records undermine both her work and the public's right to transparency,' they added.  The Daily Mail has reached out to both Phang and the Department of Justice for comment. Blanche (pictured left) was named acting attorney general earlier this month Phang argued that Blanche failed to produce known documents, redacted material after they were publicly released and redacted mentions of Trump without any lawful basis Blanche took over as Acting Attorney General earlier this month when Trump dismissed Bondi.  He can serve in the position for for no longer than 210 days by law, meaning he will either have to be confirmed by the Senate or leave the position by the end of October.  Bondi's tenure was marred by her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, as the administration faced accusations of a lack of transparency.  Trump believed Bondi tipped off Eric Swalwell about the FBI's efforts to release investigative documents related to his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy. Blanche caused controversy in February after he insisted it's 'not a crime to party' with Epstein, and that no prosecutions could occur unless there's definitive evidence of illegal activity. 'Unfortunately photos can't speak. So we need witnesses,' Blanche told Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday night. He dismissed the potential that any of the men pictured will face the music for allegedly engaging in illegal acts. Notably, President Donald Trump is one of those powerful men mentioned in the files and previously pictured in social settings with Epstein. Trump has been furious over how the files are being received and threatened repeatedly to sue over claims he went to Epstein's 'infested island.'  Democrats, and even many Republicans, want to see those who appear in the files prosecuted, and claim Trump's DOJ is refusing to take action against anyone because it might implicate the President.  The files show images of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – formerly Prince Andrew – kneeling over a redacted woman as well as in social settings tied to Epstein. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Virgin Group founder, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson were all featured in images from Epstein's mansion, yacht and in social settings with the convicted child sex offender. Hollywood figure Brett Ratner, who most recently directed Melania: Twenty Days to History, appeared in photos on a couch with Epstein and women whose faces were redacted in the files. Others mentioned or pictured in this drop and others include President Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger, director Woody Allen, actor Kevin Spacey, comedian Chris Tucker and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. 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