Will a US federal court hold the Justice Department in contempt over the Epstein files before September 15, 2026?
At a hearing in mid-August 2026 in the compliance case over the Epstein Files Transparency Act, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered the Justice Department to justify its redactions, publish those explanations in the Federal Register and account for handwritten FBI interview notes it withheld as duplicative. He said he was prepared to pursue contempt proceedings, telling the government it was not a threat but a promise. The department has published about 3.5 million pages, which plaintiffs argue were released with excessive redactions. As of August 17, 2026 no contempt finding has been entered. This market assesses whether one is entered before September 15, 2026.
Conditions
Resolves YES if, on or before 23:59 UTC on September 15, 2026, a US federal court enters an order holding the Department of Justice, or an official of the department acting in that capacity, in civil or criminal contempt in litigation concerning the release of Epstein-related records, as recorded on the court docket and reported by Reuters, the Associated Press, Bloomberg or The New York Times. Resolves NO otherwise. Verbal warnings from the bench, orders to show cause why contempt should not be found, referrals for investigation, monetary or procedural sanctions imposed without a contempt finding, and contempt findings against parties other than the Department of Justice do not count.
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