DOJ watchdog investigates Epstein files release
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/23/epstein-files-inspector-general-justice-department-00889133
DOJ watchdog investigates Epstein files release
The inspector general will review the Justice Department’s compliance with a law ordering the release of records related to Epstein.
Then Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks about the release of the Epstein files on Jan. 30, 2026. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Justice Department’s internal watchdog announced Thursday that it will dig into the agency’s handling of the Epstein files, including whether officials failed to make public all the relevant records and whether the documents were appropriately redacted.
The acting head of Justice’s Office of Inspector General, William Blier, said in a statement that his office will explore DOJ’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law Congress passed in November that required all records about convicted sex offender and well-connected financier Jeffrey Epstein be made public, with limited exceptions.
“Our preliminary objective is to evaluate the DOJ’s processes for identifying, redacting, and releasing records in its possession as required by the Act,” Blier said. The office will also look into “DOJ’s processes for addressing post-release publication concerns.”
President Donald Trump, who has called the controversy over Epstein a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats, initially opposed the legislation but later relented, endorsing and signing it under pressure from fellow Republicans.
The Justice Department ultimately released roughly 3.5 million pages of documents about its investigations into Epstein, though it did so more than a month after the law’s deadline for release.
Alleged victims of sexual abuse by Epstein have complained that DOJ repeatedly failed to redact photos and other details that could reveal their identities and did not make public all the information prosecutors have about Epstein associates who were allegedly aware of his crimes or conspired with him but were never charged.
Watch: The Conversation
Lawmakers have made similar complaints and have said they suspect DOJ has not released some relevant documents.
DOJ officials have said they did their best to follow the law’s disclosure requirements, despite an unrealistic timeline set by Congress. Todd Blanche, now the acting attorney general, said any release of that volume of documents was sure to involve some errors, but the agency moved quickly to address victims’ concerns when they were raised.
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