2 weeks on from Epstein files release deadline, DOJ reviewing 2M docs

• The 12,285 documents related to the Epstein files that the DOJ has reviewed represent less than 1% of all records potentially related to the case that it needs to examine in order to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which had the deadline of Dec. 19.

Yes, but: "Based on broad initial reviews of those documents," the DOJ expects that "a meaningful portion" are duplicate records, per a letter from top Trump administration officials to the federal judge who ordered the release of grand jury records in the case of Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.

Zoom in: Some documents have "multiple pages" and, consequently, page counts are different and "the time required to review documents can vary substantially," notes the letter that's signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Southern District of New York Jay Clayton.

• The documents being reviewed "remain in various phases of review and redaction," per the letter.
• "Currently, and anticipated for the next few weeks ahead, in the range of over 400 lawyers across the Department will dedicate all or a substantial portion of their workday to the Department's efforts to comply with the Act."

Of note: The DOJ said on Christmas Eve it had uncovered over 1 million more documents potentially related to the case and that the review process could take "a few more weeks" due to "the mass volume of material."

• Representatives for the DOJ did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment on when officials expect the process to be completed.

Read the letter in full, via DocumentCloud:

Go deeper: Here's how the DOJ releases the Epstein files and how others are making them easier to read

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.