New Epstein Files Investigation Launched As DOJ’s Redactions Face Backlash

BreakingBusinessBreaking NewsNew Epstein Files Investigation Launched As DOJ’s Redactions Face BacklashByZachary Folk,Forbes Staff. I cover breaking news.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 01:48pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineThe Government Accountability Office will open its own investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of redactions while releasing materials in the Epstein files, the government watchdog told Forbes on Tuesday—the second review announced of the Trump administration’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.The congressional watchdog will investigate the DOJ’s process for “reviewing, redacting, and releasing” the Epstein files.Getty ImagesKey FactsThe investigation was first announced by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who said the congressional watchdog said it had “accepted” his request to review the Justice Department’s handling of the case as “within the scope of its authority.”Sarah Kaczmarek, managing director of the GAO’s Office of Public Affairs, confirmed to Forbes the watchdog office would investigate the Justice Department’s process in “reviewing, redacting, and releasing” the files.This is the second major government office reviewing the Justice Department’s compliance with the bipartisan bill mandating the files’ release, coming only days after its Office of the Inspector General opened its own audit into the department’s process of "identifying, redacting, and releasing records in its possession.”The GAO told Merkley it would work with the inspector general’s office to make sure it was not “duplicating efforts.”Merkley, as well as other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee (Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.), previously asked the GAO to review the Justice Department’s practices in redacting information in the Epstein files in March. if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel...