GAO to Investigate DOJ's Handling of Epstein Files

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced it will investigate the Department of Justice's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The probe follows concerns raised by senators about compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of all documents from the DOJ's investigation into the late sex offender, with redactions only for victims' identities.

The GAO investigation was requested by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). They cited alleged failures in the DOJ's review process, including improper redactions that exposed victims' names while concealing those of Epstein's associates. The GAO will coordinate with the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General to avoid duplicating efforts.

Critics have accused the DOJ of a 'full-blown cover-up,' noting that only a fraction of the documents have been released and many redactions appear unnecessary or excessive. Journalists, including Katie Phang, have filed lawsuits against acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alleging violations of the transparency act. The lawsuit seeks the release of all required documents without unlawful redactions and the appointment of an independent special master to oversee compliance.

Former MSNBC host Katie Phang is suing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Justice Department's failure to properly release the Epstein files. According to The Daily Mail, Phang alleges that Blanche's actions were a 'brazen, shocking and ongoing violation' of US law by stalling their release in a suit filed Monday. She claims the DOJ failed to enact a law passed by Congress that compels them to release the files by December 19, 2025.

The lawsuit states that Blanche's actions have directly harmed Phang's ability to report on Epstein's network and the government's handling of the case. The DOJ is also investigating if it wrongfully withheld documents in the Epstein files containing allegations against President Donald Trump. Blanche has admitted details may have fallen through the cracks with the speed at which the millions of files, including images, emails, and estate documents, were made public.

The DOJ's handling has drawn sharp criticism from Congress and the public, particularly regarding mentions of former President Donald Trump in the files. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The GAO investigation marks another step in efforts to ensure accountability and transparency surrounding the controversial case.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on May 29, as announced by the committee. This follows Democratic members' move to hold Bondi in civil contempt of Congress after she skipped scheduled testimony earlier this month. The committee had called Bondi to testify on the DOJ's handling of files related to Epstein.

The House Oversight Committee majority posted on X that they had secured Bondi's appearance for May 29, calling the Democrats' contempt announcement 'theater and completely unnecessary.' They noted that Bill and Hillary Clinton fought subpoenas for months but eventually testified before the committee in February. The committee's ranking member, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), claimed Bondi 'illegally defied our committee' and emphasized her extensive knowledge about the Trump Administration's handling of the Epstein files.

President Donald Trump fired Bondi on April 2. She had been scheduled to testify before the oversight panel on April 14 and faced heavy criticism for her handling of the Epstein files. The DOJ's internal watchdog is also investigating the agency's compliance with a 2025 law that compelled the full release of the files.