Watchdog launches audit into DOJ’s compliance with Epstein files law
The Justice Department’s inspector general has launched an audit to determine whether federal authorities complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The review follows missed deadlines and criticism from survivors and lawmakers over incomplete disclosures, even after the release of more than 3.5 million pages.
The US Justice Department’s acting inspector general announced Thursday an audit to assess whether the department followed federal law requiring the disclosure of investigative records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “Our preliminary objective is to evaluate the DOJ’s processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records in its possession as required by the Act,” Acting Inspector General William M. Blierr said in a statement.
Missed deadlines and incomplete releases
The audit comes after the department missed a December 19 deadline for the full release of all unclassified Epstein files. Although more than 3.5 million pages have since been produced, survivors and lawmakers have criticized the disclosures as incomplete. The watchdog will focus on how the department collected responsive material, its methods for withholding or redacting information, and its processes for addressing post-publication issues.
Transparency law signed by Trump
President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law on November 19, mandating the release of the records. Epstein died in custody at a New York detention facility in 2019 while awaiting trial on human trafficking charges. He had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The inspector general will issue a public report once the audit is completed.
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