Recent redactions to the Epstein files have raised renewed questions about what the government does – and does not – strike from highly sensitive documents.

The black pen has been used on classified materials for decades. But amid renewed calls for disclosure, more Americans are raising questions about the politics behind what stays in and what gets taken out.

Today on the Wheelhouse, we’re talking about government redactions and the power of the pen.

Guests:
Sam Lebovic: history professor at George Mason University
Barbara McQuade: former U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Michigan

Recent redactions to the Epstein files have raised renewed questions about what the government does &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/06/nx-s1-5702692/epstein-files-doj-trump-clinton-oversight">and does not</a>&nbsp;&ndash; strike from highly sensitive documents.
The black pen has been used on classified materials for decades. But amid renewed calls for disclosure, more Americans are raising questions about the politics behind what stays in and what gets taken out.
Today on the Wheelhouse, we&rsquo;re talking about government redactions and the power of the pen.
Guests:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://historyarthistory.gmu.edu/people/slebovic">Sam Lebovic</a>:&nbsp;history professor at George Mason University</li>
<li><a href="https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/barbara-l-mcquade">Barbara McQuade</a>:&nbsp;former U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney&rsquo;s Office Eastern District of Michigan</li>
</ul>

If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week.  You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week.  You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

Connecticut's best journalists come out of the political trenches every Wednesday to join us on WNPR's weekly news roundtable The Wheelhouse.