Epstein files vanish: Trump photo among 16 documents removed from DOJ website

At least 16 documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including a photograph showing US President Donald Trump, have disappeared from the US Justice Department’s public webpage less than 24 hours after their release. The removals were made without any explanation from the government or public notice, raising fresh questions about transparency surrounding the handling of Epstein-related records.

The US Justice Department on Friday (Dec 20) started releasing a long-promised set of records linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, the documents were heavily redacted, raising questions about the transparency of the documents released. The files and images released by the DOJ had several mentions of former Democratic president Bill Clinton, with minimal references to US President Donald Trump.

According to Associated Press, the missing files were initially available on Friday, but are no longer accessible now. The documents included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showing a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. A photograph of Trump, alongside Melania Trump, Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell was also seen.

While the Justice Department did not provide any clarification on the missing files, it said in a post on X that “photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information.”

In a post on X, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee pointed out the missing photographs.

“This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release,” the post read. “@AGPamBondi is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”

In another post, the Oversight Dems said that move was a cover-up by the Trump administration. “This is a White House Cover-Up.”