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DOJ watchdog launches Epstein files compliance audit
The US Department of Justice's internal oversight office announced Thursday it will investigate whether the agency is adhering to a 2025 law requiring the public release of records tied to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal probe.
Scope of the audit
The inspector general's review will focus on how the DOJ has identified, gathered, and disclosed materials responsive to the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The audit will also assess the agency's redaction policies and procedures to ensure they align with legal requirements.
"Should circumstances warrant, the inspector general will consider addressing additional issues that emerge during the audit," the watchdog's statement said.
Background on the transparency law
President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law in November 2025 after initially opposing it. The legislation mandates the DOJ release all Epstein- and Ghislaine Maxwell-related files within 30 days. Since then, the department has published over three million documents in staggered batches via an online database.
However, some records were later removed following privacy complaints from survivors, leaving approximately 2.7 million files currently accessible, according to a CBS News analysis.
Criticism and ongoing frustrations
Lawmakers and advocacy groups have accused the DOJ of delaying full transparency, alleging the agency may be shielding powerful figures connected to Epstein. The department has denied these claims, stating some files remain private to protect survivors' personal information or due to ongoing investigations.
In January, a senior DOJ official revealed the government holds roughly six million files related to Epstein, though not all will be made public.
"Men need to be perp-walked in handcuffs to jail, and until we see that here in this country... we don't have a system of justice that's working."
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)
Recent controversies and leadership changes
Last month, the DOJ released summaries of interviews with a woman who accused Trump of sexual assault, calling the documents' prior withholding an "accidental" oversight. Trump, referenced thousands of times in the files-including in Epstein's emails-has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, Trump replaced Attorney General Pam Bondi with Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer. In a Fox News interview, Blanche stated the Epstein files "should not be a part of anything going forward."
Survivors demand accountability
Annie Farmer, a prominent Epstein survivor, condemned reports that some House Oversight Committee lawmakers might endorse a pardon for Maxwell in exchange for her cooperation with their investigation.
"A pardon is profoundly insulting and a deep betrayal. In the clearest terms possible, this move would be detrimental to survivors. We ask the Department of Justice to permanently close the door on any pardon or commutation for Maxwell and instead open the door on a criminal investigation into the enablers of Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell's abuse."
Annie Farmer, Epstein survivor
The DOJ did not respond to a BBC request for comment on the pardon reports.
