Story perspectives

DOJ OIG to Audit Epstein Files Handling After Missed Deadline

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Deputy Inspector General William M. Blier announced the DOJ OIG will audit the Epstein Files Transparency Act handling, reviewing processes and issuing a public report.
The DOJ, which missed the 30-day deadline after President Donald Trump signed the act in 2025, later released 3 million pages, removed 47 000 files and left 2.7 million pages accessible.
Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie urged an independent review as President Donald Trump nominated Don Berthiaume inspector general.

History

Historical Context

The Inspector General Act of 1978 established independent OIGs in more than a dozen departments, giving them authority to audit and report to Congress. The 2008 Inspector General Reform Act created the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, coordinating 68 offices. In 2025, Deputy IG William M. Blier began reviewing 2.7 million pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, echoing the act’s oversight purpose.

1 of 2

Story summary

Deputy Inspector General William M. Blier announced the DOJ OIG will audit the Epstein Files Transparency Act handling, reviewing processes and issuing a public report.
The DOJ, which missed the 30-day deadline after President Donald Trump signed the act in 2025, later released 3 million pages, removed 47 000 files and left 2.7 million pages accessible.
Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie urged an independent review as President Donald Trump nominated Don Berthiaume inspector general.

1 / 2