Following Push from Ross and DWC Members, DOJ Inspector General Launches Investigation Into Mishandling of the Epstein Files

Washington, D.C. - The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) formally notified the Democratic Women's Caucus that it will launch an investigation into the Department of Justice's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This investigation follows a January letter from the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and 67 DWC members demanding a thorough investigation after a "government response that has treated [survivors'] safety, dignity, and right to justice as secondary considerations."

Democratic Women's Caucus Policy Co-Chair Deborah Ross said:

"Trump's Department of Justice has refused to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act in multiple ways. This administration has continued to prioritize powerful abusers over brave survivors who endured years of horrifying abuse. That's exactly why Congressman Kamlager-Dove and I led our DWC colleagues in calling on the OIG to launch an independent investigation. We won't give up this fight until every survivor receives the justice they are owed."

Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández said:

"Led by Policy Co-Chairs Deborah Ross and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the DWC demanded the Office of the Inspector General launch an investigation into the Department of Justice's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act because they've completely mishandled the release of the Epstein files. To this day, there are millions of files that have not been released. In fact, the Department's actions mirror the very dynamics Epstein used: powerful people, demanding silence, keeping their crimes secret, while victims are exposed, scrutinized, and made to bear the consequences. If there are no consequences to breaking the law, then the law is not of any consequence. OIG's investigation is a critical step to hold the Department accountable for its egregious mishandling of the files release and to move survivors closer to long-overdue justice. We will keep fighting for justice, accountability, and transparency."

Background:

Congresswoman Ross and the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC) have consistently stood with Epstein survivors during their push for accountability, transparency, and justice. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, 67 members of the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC), led by Policy Task Force Co-Chairs Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), sent a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Don R. Berthiaume, demanding a thorough investigation into the release of the Epstein files in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The letter called on him to use all available authorities to ensure the Epstein files are released in full compliance with the law and in a survivor-centered manner. On April 23, 2026, the OIG sent DWC a response confirming it will open an investigation in response to this request.

Over four months after the deadline required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ has still failed to finish releasing the Epstein files. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has egregiously said the investigation is "over." The DOJ has also continued to use inconsistent and unexplained redactions in the files that they have released, making survivors' personal details public while shielding predators.

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Permalink: https://ross.house.gov/2026/4/following-push-from-ross-and-dwc-members-doj-inspector-general-launches-investigation-into-mishandling-of-the-epstein-files