DOJ watchdog launches probe into compliance with Epstein files law
Summary
The Justice Department's internal watchdog is auditing how well the department followed a law requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. This move comes after criticism about how the Justice Department handled releasing these records, including delays and removing some files after publication.Key Facts
- The audit will check the Justice Department's methods for identifying, redacting (blacking out sensitive info), and releasing Epstein-related records.
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed by President Trump last November, required full release of related files within 30 days.
- The Justice Department missed the deadline and later released more than 11,000 files totaling nearly 30,000 pages, and eventually over 3 million pages of documents.
- Some files were withheld to protect survivors’ personal information or ongoing investigations.
- About 47,000 files (65,500 pages) were removed from the public website after initial release.
- Survivors and members of Congress have called for an independent investigation into whether any files were tampered with or improperly handled.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the department complied with the law and said the files should not be used for future Justice Department matters.
- President Trump nominated Don Berthiaume as the new Justice Department inspector general to oversee matters including this audit.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.