EXCLUSIVE: Ex-MSNBC Star Katie Phang Asks Judge to Fine Acting AG Todd Blanche $1,000 Each Day Until He Turns Over All Epstein Files

The motion is the latest escalation in Phang's lawsuit seeking to compel the Justice Department to release additional Epstein-related records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The former cable news star is asking U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan to hold Blanche in contempt and impose daily sanctions until the government completes its review of foreign-language Epstein documents, publishes a detailed redaction log and releases records the Justice Department allegedly concedes contain no victim information.

According to the court action, Blanche has "refused to review foreign-language documents, refused to produce an explanation for his redactions, and refused to produce documents he concedes contain no victim information," despite the court's earlier order.

Phang's attorneys argued the Justice Department has engaged in a pattern of "dishonesty, delay, and obfuscation" throughout the litigation, claiming the government’s actions have frustrated Congress' intent behind the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The motion also seeks an order requiring the Justice Department to produce underlying FBI interview notes that allegedly formed the basis for several FD-302 reports, along with an administrative record explaining how officials handled their obligations under the law.

The former MSNBC star also argues the Justice Department has repeatedly shifted its legal positions throughout the case, accusing officials of delaying disclosures and forcing repeated court intervention in the increasingly contentious fight over the Epstein files.

In one of the filing's most blistering passages, Phang's legal team argued the Attorney General has made clear that "whatever the federal statute requires him to do, he will not comply," accusing the department of repeatedly ignoring both the law and the court's directives.

The lawsuit further asks the judge to conduct an in-camera review of documents the Justice Department claims contain victim information, arguing the government’s representations should be independently verified after what the plaintiff describes as repeated delays and inconsistent positions throughout the case.

Blanche has also asked the court to stay enforcement while the Solicitor General considers further appellate review, but Phang urged the judge to reject that request, arguing the government has already delayed compliance for months and should not be rewarded with additional time.

The latest legal battle marks another dramatic chapter in the high-profile battle over the release of Epstein-related records, which has drawn national attention as journalists, lawmakers and the public continue pressing for greater transparency surrounding the convicted s-x offender's files.

Judge Sullivan has yet to rule on the explosive request, leaving the fate of Phang's bid to hit Blanche with $1,000-a-day sanctions squarely in the court's hands.