From begging a judge presiding over the still-unreleased Epstein files for an extension to First Lady Melania Trump delivering an angry speech denying her proved connections to Epstein, Trump world has done its best to downplay everything Epstein-related. Sullivan went on to argue that some of the redacted names protected perpetrators, not victims. Judge Emmet Sullivan set an August 13, 2026 hearing after the Department of Justice failed to justify redactions in the Jeffrey Epstein files. The legal battle stems from a transparency lawsuit demanding unredacted records, compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and full disclosure of withheld FBI materials. The tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary intensified after journalist Katie Phang sued for full disclosure under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.