Mystery as 16 Epstein Files Vanish from DOJ Website, Including Trump Photo

At least 16 files from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Epstein document release have disappeared. They vanished from the agency’s public website just one day after being posted. The missing material includes a photograph of former President Donald Trump with his wife and Ghislaine Maxwell. This sudden removal has sparked immediate demands for transparency and answers from federal officials.

Key Epstein Files Disappear After Release

The files were published on December 19. Their release was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Congress required the Justice Department to make tens of thousands of documents public by that date.

The disappeared files were initially accessible on the DOJ’s online repository. They were then removed without any official explanation. According to Reuters, the missing set included a range of images and documents.

House Oversight Committee Democrats quickly noted the discrepancy. They pointed out that the DOJ’s public index of files jumped from number EFTA00000467 to EFTA00000469. The missing file, EFTA00000468, contained the Trump photograph.

The image showed Donald and Melania Trump with Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Other missing files featured paintings of nude women. Another showed a series of photographs arranged on furniture.

Growing Demands for Full Transparency

The disappearance has intensified scrutiny of the entire document release. Critics argue the initial publication was already incomplete. Many key categories of documents were heavily redacted or omitted entirely.

According to official reports, missing categories include FBI interviews with Epstein’s survivors. Internal DOJ memos about charging decisions were also not released. Complete records involving other powerful figures linked to Epstein remain absent.

Prominent politicians have voiced strong concerns. Some have called for the resignation of Attorney General Pam Bondi. Others demand a full accounting of why the files were removed.

The public reaction has been one of deep suspicion. Many see the removal as an attempt to control the narrative. It raises serious questions about the commitment to full transparency in the Epstein case.

The Justice Department has not yet issued a public statement. Officials have not explained the reason for taking the files offline. This silence is fueling further speculation and demands for accountability.

What Happens Next?

Legal observers expect increased political pressure. Congressional committees will likely demand answers. The focus will be on the justification for removing publicly released files.

The episode undermines the stated goal of the Transparency Act. That law was designed to provide public clarity on a decades-long scandal. The disappearance of documents achieves the opposite effect.

The vanishing Epstein files represent a significant setback for government transparency. This incident ensures the controversial case will remain in the headlines. The public still awaits a complete and unredacted historical record.