At least 16 files linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein disappeared from the US Justice Department’s public website less than 24 hours after they were released, sparking sharp questions from Democratic lawmakers and renewed scrutiny over transparency.
The missing files included photographs and images that were available on Friday but were no longer accessible by Saturday. Among them was a photograph showing President Donald Trump alongside Epstein, former first lady Melania Trump, and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
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The Justice Department did not issue any public notice explaining the removals and did not immediately respond to media queries seeking clarification.
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Photos and Images Suddenly Removed
According to records reviewed before the files vanished, the removed material included photographs of paintings depicting nude women, as well as images stored inside drawers and on a credenza at Epstein-linked locations. One of the most notable images showed Trump and Epstein together in a photograph also featuring Melania Trump and Maxwell.
The sudden disappearance has raised concerns among lawmakers and transparency advocates, especially as the files were removed without explanation.
Trump’s Name Missing From Written Records
The removals came as part of a broader release of thousands of Epstein-related documents that included names of powerful and famous individuals, such as former US president Bill Clinton. However, Trump’s name was notably absent from the written records in the newly released batch.
This absence drew attention because Trump has been linked to Epstein in earlier disclosures, including flight manifests from Epstein’s private jet that were released by the Justice Department in February. Trump has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Partial Release, Heavy Redactions
The Justice Department said it had released only a partial set of documents on Friday, citing the time required to review sensitive material and the need to protect Epstein’s victims. Many of the documents were heavily redacted, with some exceeding 100 pages that were completely blacked out.
The release is part of an effort by the Trump administration to comply with a law passed overwhelmingly by Congress in November, which mandates the public disclosure of all Epstein-related files. The administration had faced months of criticism for delaying the release.
Celebrities Appear in Undated Photos
The newly released files also included undated photographs of several high-profile figures, such as late news anchor Walter Cronkite, musicians Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, British entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York.
None of the individuals shown in the photographs have been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, also appeared in one image and has denied any misconduct despite losing his royal titles over his ties to Epstein.
Victims Express Anger
Epstein victim Marina Lacerda criticised the scale of redactions and the limited disclosure. “All of us are infuriated by this. It’s another slap in the face. We expected way more,” she told MS NOW.
The Justice Department said it is still reviewing hundreds of thousands of additional pages for possible release, leaving the controversy far from over.