On September 4, 2025, a video surfaced that has sent shockwaves through political and media circles, featuring Joseph Schnitt, an acting deputy chief in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations. Recorded covertly by an operative from the O’Keefe Media Group, the footage captures Schnitt making provocative statements about the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s files and the prison transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate. The video, released by far-right activist James O’Keefe, has sparked intense debate, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) swiftly moving to discredit Schnitt’s claims, asserting that he lacked insider knowledge and was merely repeating media speculation.
The Undercover Video and Schnitt’s Claims
The video, recorded during what Schnitt believed to be a casual date arranged through the Hinge dating app, shows him speaking to a woman who was secretly an operative for the O’Keefe Media Group. In the footage, Schnitt discusses the DOJ’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who died in 2019. He claims that the DOJ possesses “thousands and thousands of pages” of Epstein-related files but alleges that any release would be heavily redacted to protect Republican and conservative figures while leaving the names of liberal and Democratic individuals unredacted.
This assertion suggests a politically motivated manipulation of sensitive documents, a claim that, if true, would undermine public trust in the DOJ’s impartiality. Schnitt also commented on Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and conspiracy related to Epstein’s crimes. He stated that Maxwell was recently transferred to a minimum-security prison in Texas, a move he claimed was against Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policy due to her status as a convicted sex offender.
According to Schnitt, this transfer was a “benefit” intended to “keep her mouth shut,” implying that the DOJ might be offering Maxwell incentives to withhold incriminating information. These statements were particularly inflammatory given the timing, as Maxwell’s transfer followed her meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in July 2025, raising questions about potential deals or leniency.
HOLY CRAP!
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 4, 2025
DOJ Deputy Chief Joseph Schnitt has been caught on tape stating that the FBI will redact Republican makes from Epstein Files and leave Democrats.
pic.twitter.com/bV9KzlgNx9
The O’Keefe Media Group, founded by James O’Keefe after his departure from Project Veritas, has a history of producing undercover videos aimed at exposing perceived misconduct. Critics, however, have long accused O’Keefe of selectively editing footage to push a narrative, casting doubt on the video’s context and authenticity. Despite these criticisms, the DOJ’s response confirmed the video’s existence, lending some credibility to the encounter while firmly rejecting Schnitt’s claims.
The DOJ’s Response and Schnitt’s Defense
Within hours of the video’s release, the DOJ issued a statement distancing itself from Schnitt’s remarks, emphasizing that he had no role in the department’s internal review of Epstein-related materials. The DOJ asserted that Schnitt’s comments were “based only on what he learned in the media” and had “absolutely zero bearing with reality,” reflecting a “total lack of knowledge of the DOJ’s review process.” This swift rebuttal was accompanied by a peculiar move: the DOJ posted a screenshot of an email purportedly from Schnitt to his superior, in which he explained the circumstances of the recording.
In the email, Schnitt clarified that he met the woman, who identified herself as “Skylar,” on Hinge in July 2025 and went on two dates with her on August 4 and August 16. He stated that she gave no indication of being a reporter or recording their conversations, and he maintained that his profile only vaguely indicated he worked in “government” without specifying his role at the DOJ.
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Schnitt insisted that his comments were personal opinions drawn from media reports, not from any privileged information gained through his position. He explicitly denied having any direct knowledge of Maxwell’s transfer or the handling of Epstein’s files, stating, “I recall that she asked if I had any knowledge about Maxwell and I specifically said I only know what’s been reported in the media.”
The DOJ’s decision to share Schnitt’s email, complete with an unedited iPhone screenshot showing airplane mode and battery percentage, was widely criticized as an unusual and unprofessional response. The department reiterated its commitment to transparency, noting that it was complying with the House Oversight Committee’s request for Epstein-related documents, which included over 33,000 files released on September 2, 2025. However, reports indicate that 97% of these documents were already publicly available, fueling skepticism about the DOJ’s transparency claims.
Political and Public Fallout
The release of the video has intensified existing tensions surrounding the Epstein case, which has been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories and political division. The Epstein files, long sought by both the public and lawmakers, are believed to contain details about the financier’s high-profile associates, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. The lack of full disclosure has fueled speculation about a cover-up, with some alleging that powerful figures are being protected.
Schnitt’s claims, though disavowed by the DOJ, have added fuel to these theories, particularly among those who believe the Trump administration is suppressing information to shield Republican allies. The video has also highlighted internal conflicts within the Trump administration. Schnitt reportedly mentioned friction between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, claiming that Bongino advocated for the release of the Epstein files while Bondi aligned with President Trump’s preferences.
Trump has publicly dismissed the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax” and a distraction from his administration’s achievements, a stance that has frustrated some of his supporters who expected greater transparency based on his 2024 campaign promises. The release of mostly redundant documents by the House Oversight Committee has done little to quell these concerns, with critics arguing that it represents a superficial attempt to placate calls for accountability.
Maxwell’s prison transfer, confirmed on August 1, 2025, has been particularly contentious. Her meetings with Todd Blanche, a former personal attorney for Trump, have raised eyebrows, especially among Democrats who have accused the administration of potential witness tampering. In a letter to the DOJ in mid-August, House Democrats expressed concerns that Maxwell’s transfer could be an attempt to “coax” her into providing false or misleading testimony to protect Trump.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, has denied any quid pro quo, stating that she answered all questions truthfully during her meetings with Blanche and that no promises were made. However, the timing of the transfer, coupled with Schnitt’s recorded comments, has fueled speculation about her treatment and the DOJ’s motives. The public reaction on social media platforms has been polarized.
Some users have expressed outrage, demanding the release of an unredacted Epstein client list, with one commenter stating, “This administration is tripping all over itself to protect pedophiles.” Others have dismissed the video as a partisan stunt, pointing to O’Keefe’s track record of selective editing. The controversy has also drawn attention from Epstein’s survivors, who have rallied on Capitol Hill to demand justice. Annie Farmer, a victim who testified against Maxwell in 2021, expressed concern that Maxwell might be positioning herself for leniency, calling it a “terrible blow” to those who fought for her conviction.
The broader implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate controversy. The Epstein case has long been a symbol of distrust in institutions, with many Americans believing that the justice system protects the powerful. Schnitt’s recorded statements, even if based on speculation, reinforce this perception, particularly when paired with the DOJ’s admission that the video is authentic.
Legal experts have warned that any perception of preferential treatment for Maxwell or selective redaction of files could lead to lawsuits or congressional investigations, further eroding public confidence in the DOJ. The controversy also underscores the challenges of balancing transparency, political pressures, and accountability in high-profile cases involving notorious figures like Epstein and Maxwell.
In conclusion, the video of Joseph Schnitt has reignited debates about the Epstein case, casting a spotlight on the DOJ’s handling of sensitive files and Maxwell’s prison transfer. While the DOJ has dismissed Schnitt’s claims as uninformed, the incident has amplified calls for transparency and accountability.
As the public awaits further developments, including Maxwell’s scheduled deposition before the House Oversight Committee on August 11, 2025, the Epstein case remains a complex and divisive issue, with far-reaching implications for trust in the justice system. The controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges in addressing high-profile crimes and the persistent demand for truth in cases involving powerful individuals.