16 Epstein files vanish from DOJ website, including Trump photos: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: Sixteen documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein disappeared from the Department of Justice (DOJ) public website within hours of being uploaded, according to a report by AP News. The missing files included two files that contained photographs showing featuring President Donald Trump.

The files were visible on the DOJ website on Friday, December 19, but could no longer be accessed by the following day. The Department of Justice has not explained why the documents were removed or whether the disappearance was temporary or accidental.

Epstein-related documents disappear from Department of Justice website

The missing files were part of a broader release of Epstein-related records that drew criticism over the weekend for heavy redactions and limited new information. The DOJ had published a large batch of material that included documents, images, and a victim complaint previously submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Much of the released content focused on photographs taken inside Epstein’s properties in New York City and the US Virgin Islands. Several images showed rooms, furniture, and items discovered inside drawers and cabinets, along with photographs featuring well-known figures from politics and entertainment.

According to AP News, some of the files that are no longer accessible included photographs found inside Epstein’s properties. One of the missing images dated back to 2000 and showed Donald Trump standing alongside Jeffrey Epstein, Melania Trump, and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

A separate printed photograph featured Trump surrounded by women in bathing suits. The DOJ has not commented on why these specific images were removed or whether they will be restored.

House Oversight Democrats question disappearance of Epstein files

The removal of the files prompted criticism from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. In a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the lawmakers questioned why the documents were no longer available and pressed the DOJ for answers.

“This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release,” the committee wrote. Addressing Attorney General Pam Bondi, the post continued, “Is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”

As of Sunday, December 21, the DOJ had not publicly responded to the Oversight Committee’s questions.

Thomas Massie accuses administration of ignoring Epstein Files law

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky accused the Trump administration of failing to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law he sponsored. The act required the DOJ to release Epstein-related records within 30 days while protecting victims by redacting names and shielding the identities of individuals who may still be under investigation.

Massie criticized the department for asserting privilege over internal communications related to its handling of the files. In a post on X, he urged the public to compare the language of the law with a letter sent by the administration to Congress explaining its decision to omit certain materials.

“Compare language of Epstein Files Transparency Act directing DOJ to provide internal communications regarding their decisions versus DOJ letter to Congress asserting privilege to omit materials related to decisions, because they weren’t specified by law,” Massie wrote. “THEY ARE FLAUNTING LAW.”

The Department of Justice has not indicated whether the missing Epstein files will be restored to its website.