The Justice Department's internal watchdog announced Thursday that it will conduct an audit to investigate the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This law compelled the department to release investigative records related to the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Congress passed the legislation in November after then-Attorney General Pam Bondi reneged on a promise to release the department's investigatory file. The Office of the Inspector General's move follows months of complaints from lawmakers regarding the congressionally mandated release of these files.
The audit will focus on how the department identified, collected, and reviewed materials in preparation for release. Specifically, the watchdog will examine how the department redacted the documents.
This investigation comes amid accusations from lawmakers that the Trump administration used heavy redactions to protect powerful figures tied to Epstein.