The Justice Department has mysteriously removed at least 16 Epstein investigation files from its website just one day after releasing them, including a photo showing President Trump’s face, raising serious questions about transparency and potential cover-up attempts.
Story Highlights
- DOJ removed Trump photo and 15 other Epstein files within 24 hours of release
- Democrats immediately cry foul while Republican co-sponsor accuses DOJ of breaking the law
- Congress threatens impeachment hearings for AG Pam Bondi over incomplete compliance
- Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing despite past friendship with Epstein
DOJ Removes Files After Friday Release
The Department of Justice released portions of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files on Friday, December 19, 2025, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Within 24 hours, at least 16 files vanished from the DOJ website, including file 468 containing a desk photo that showed President Trump’s face among various framed photographs.
The Associated Press confirmed the disappearance on Saturday, prompting immediate political backlash from both parties.
Epstein files: A number of documents, including Trump photo, reportedly removed from DOJ release site https://t.co/GwrNZVST75
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 20, 2025
Bipartisan Criticism Over Transparency Failures
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee immediately questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about the missing files, demanding answers about potential cover-ups. However, Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the transparency legislation, delivered perhaps the harshest criticism.
Massie accused the DOJ of “openly disregarding the law” by asserting privilege to withhold materials that the Epstein Files Transparency Act specifically required them to release.
Congressional Impeachment Threats Emerge
Representative Ro Khanna announced that Congress is considering impeachment hearings for both Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche if the document releases don’t comply with federal law.
Khanna demanded a clear timeline for releasing all remaining documents and explanations for the incomplete Friday release. The threat represents a significant escalation in congressional oversight of the Trump administration’s Justice Department.
Trump’s Limited Presence in Released Files
Despite past friendship with Epstein, President Trump’s name and image appeared rarely in Friday’s file release. Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes and has denied knowledge of the sex trafficking activities.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s defense attorney, stated there was “no effort” to redact the president’s name from the files. The DOJ maintained it only redacts victim names as required by law.
Clinton Photos Remain While Trump Image Disappears
Interestingly, several photos of former President Bill Clinton remained available in the Friday release, showing him in unclear circumstances with unidentified individuals.
Clinton’s spokesperson attempted to deflect attention, claiming the release was designed to protect others rather than Clinton himself.
This selective availability raises questions about the DOJ’s criteria for removing certain files while maintaining others, particularly given the bipartisan nature of the transparency legislation.
