The missed deadline and up to 3m files that remain unreleased have prompted criticism and calls for further disclosure to answer how Epstein sexually abused girls with impunity for decades and landed a sweetheart plea deal about 20 years ago that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution.

“The government continues to avoid accountability and has argued that they are not responsible for Epstein’s abuse of hundreds of victims,” said Jennifer Plotkin of Merson Law, which represents more than 30 victims, said. “The release of the files proves the government failed the victims over and over again.”

Dr Ann Olivarius, a women’s rights attorney and founder of law firm McAllister Olivarius, said the disclosures have not lifted the veil on Epstein’s ongoing evasion of justice until his 2019 prosecution.