A federal judge has ordered Attorney General Todd Blanche to provide unredacted versions of Epstein-related files for private review, sparking controversy over judicial transparency.

The demand comes as part of a lawsuit filed by lawyer Katie Phang, who alleges that Blanche violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by unlawfully redacting documents.

Judge Emmet Sullivan's order challenges the DOJ's claims about the legality of redactions, raising concerns about the erosion of the 'presumption of regularity'—a judicial principle that assumes government officials act properly unless proven otherwise.Legal expert Joyce Vance criticized the ruling, arguing it reflects how the Trump administration has undermined key judicial norms.

The case highlights tensions between transparency demands and executive authority, with critics suggesting the DOJ's actions indicate a lack of accountability.The dispute underscores broader debates about government secrecy and the role of judicial oversight in ensuring public trust in legal processes.