At least 16 files vanished from a U.S. Justice Department webpage hosting records related to Jeffrey Epstein less than a day after they were released, including one containing a photograph showing Donald Trump alongside Epstein. The removals prompted questions and calls for clarification from Democratic lawmakers.
The missing files were visible on Friday but were no longer accessible by Saturday, with no public notice or explanation from the U.S. Department of Justice.
What Files Went Missing
According to the materials previously posted, the removed items included:
- Images of paintings depicting nude women
- Photographs stored inside drawers and along a credenza
- A photo showing Trump, Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell together
The department did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking clarification about the removals.
Trump Absent From Written Records
The disappearance came amid a broader release of thousands of Epstein-related documents that named numerous high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton. Notably, Trump’s name did not appear in the written records released on Friday, despite his past social association with Epstein.
The DOJ said the release represented only a partial tranche, citing the time required to review materials and the need to protect victims. Many documents were heavily redacted, with some exceeding 100 pages entirely blacked out.
Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing and has denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. His name has appeared in earlier releases, including flight manifests disclosed by the DOJ in February.
Photos of Celebrities, Allegations Resurface
The latest batch included a 1996 FBI complaint accusing Epstein of involvement in “child pornography,” years before formal investigations began. Photographs released Friday showed a range of public figures—often undated and without context—including Walter Cronkite, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Richard Branson, and Sarah Ferguson. None of these individuals have been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
One image also showed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, who has denied wrongdoing and was stripped of royal titles over his ties to Epstein.
Redactions Draw Criticism
The scale of redactions angered some victims. Marina Lacerda, an Epstein victim, criticized the release: “All of us are infuriated by this. It’s another slap in the face. We expected way more,” she told MS NOW.
The DOJ said it continues to review hundreds of thousands of additional pages for potential release.
