DOJ Launches Internal Audit Over Chaotic Jeffrey Epstein Files Release

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now auditing its own handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files following a chaotic and delayed release, Associated Press reported on Thursday.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was pushed through Congress by a bipartisan group even after Donald Trump dismissed it as a “hoax,” made millions of government files on the convicted sex trafficker publicly available. However, the slow, sloppy, and still incomplete rollout of the files has raised serious questions about the DOJ’s actions under then–Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The DOJ continues to face accusations of covering up evidence of Trump’s involvement with Epstein. Now, the department’s Inspector General’s Office is investigating the matter, focusing on “how the department collected, reviewed and redacted materials in preparation for their release.”

DOJ Misses Congressional Deadline and Faces Accusations of Cover-Ups

The first major issue in the rollout was the DOJ’s failure to meet the 30-day deadline set by Congress in November. The department claimed it needed more time after “coincidentally discovering” additional records.

Bondi was also caught in a lie regarding the files. In February 2025, she told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “on her desk”—only for the DOJ to later admit the list never existed.

Errors and Omissions in Released Files

In January, the DOJ released approximately three million files. However, nearly 100 victims’ names and nude photos were mistakenly left unredacted, while critical information that could have led to justice was redacted. The DOJ later withdrew thousands of files, blaming the error on “technical or human error.”

When an individual releases dozens of nude photos of someone without consent, they go to jail. When Trump’s DOJ does it, no one is even fired!

Unreleased Files and Lack of Accountability

As of now, no arrests have been made in the U.S. related to Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring, despite the availability of documents outlining his crimes. Additionally, 2.5 million files remain unreleased, meaning critical information about Epstein’s associates is still being withheld from the public.

While this audit may identify what went wrong, the fact that the review is being conducted internally by the DOJ offers little hope for meaningful change. Trump has also fired or demoted over 20 inspectors general during his second term, significantly reducing oversight of his administration.