NEW YORK (AP) — The clock is ticking for the U.S. government to open up its files on Jeffrey Epstein.

After months of rancor, Congress has passed and President Donald Trump has signed legislation that mandates the Justice Department to release all materials related to Epstein before Christmas.

However, the public's appetite for the documents is likely to be insatiable. Although new, potentially shocking material may surface, much of the Epstein-related records have already been made available through congressional actions and legal proceedings.

Don’t anticipate finding a ‘client list’ of high-profile individuals linked to Epstein. The Justice Department confirmed in July that no such list exists.

What's Expected to be Released?

The disclosed documents are anticipated to contain reports on years of investigations into Epstein’s activities, including those leading to his controversial 2008 plea deal. They might consist of witness statements, evidence, and records related to Epstein’s connections with high-profile figures.

What's Not Included?

According to the law, details that could reveal the identities of Epstein's victims or lead to a breach of privacy will be withheld or redacted.

Upcoming Features

The legislation requires the Justice Department to make documents public in a downloadable format within 30 days of the law's signing by Trump. This puts a hard deadline on the release, set for December 19. However, ongoing investigations could delay the release of some sensitive materials.

Public Anticipation

As we await the release of these files, questions linger about the previously rumored connections and possible implications for already disclosed materials. The fading hope for a definitive list of Epstein's associates advises a cautious curiosity as revelations unfold.