DOJ Removes Trump Photo and Other Files from Epstein Document Release

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has removed at least 16 files from its public webpage containing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, less than a day after their initial release. Among the removed files was a photograph depicting President Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The DOJ has not provided an explanation for the removal of these files. A spokesperson for the department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The removal has sparked criticism from lawmakers. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee highlighted the missing photo in a post on X, stating: "This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release. @AGPamBondi is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."

The DOJ has stated that it is not redacting the names of any politicians. In a post on X, the department quoted Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche: "The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop. Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of individuals or politicians unless they are a victim."

The initial release of documents was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the DOJ to disclose all unclassified records related to Epstein and his associates. However, the release has been criticized for being incomplete and heavily redacted, with many documents still withheld.

The DOJ has committed to ongoing releases of the Epstein files through the end of the year. The recent removal of files, including the photograph featuring President Trump, has intensified calls for full transparency and accountability in the handling of these documents.