More than a dozen newly-released Epstein files, including one featuring Trump, inexplicably disappeared from the Department of Justice’s website.
On Friday, December 19, the Department of Justice disclosed approximately 300,000 files associated with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. This release was in compliance with federal law, in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates their publication.
The documents came in various batches, gaining significant attention for including numerous prominent names and faces.
It’s crucial to highlight that the release of images and identities of individuals photographed with Epstein doesn’t imply any misconduct. Many of those pictured have denied awareness of the financier’s crimes or any involvement in wrongful activities.
Nevertheless, the batches sparked global interest, notably an image of President Donald Trump.
Yet, within a day, the image of Trump, along with 16 other pictures, mysteriously disappeared from the DOJ site without explanation.
This particular image was taken in one of Epstein’s residences, showing a collection of framed photographs in a cabinet.
The open drawer is seen filled with pictures of celebrities, including Trump and Epstein.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the removal, asking Attorney General Pam Bondi via social media: “What else is being covered up?”
The DOJ clarified on X that the image was flagged by the Southern District of New York ‘for potential further action to protect victims’, and the decision was made ‘out of an abundance of caution’.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC that the files were removed to protect victims and it was ‘laughable’ to suggest Trump’s request led to their removal.
“There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr Epstein,” he stated.
“So the absurdity of us pulling down a photo, a single photo, because President Trump was in it, is laughable.”
The deputy attorney general elaborated: “There were a number of photographs that were pulled down after being released on Friday.
“That’s because a judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group, if they have any concerns about the material that we’re putting up.”
He further explained: “When we hear concerns — whether it’s photographs of women that we do not believe are victims or we didn’t have information to show that they were victims, but we learned that there are concerns, of course — we’re taking that photograph down, and we’re going to address it.
“If we need to redact faces or other information, we will, and then we’ll put it back up. So we are, in every way, shape and form, complying with the statute,” Blanche added, emphasizing that Trump has ‘nothing’ to hide concerning the files.
Blanche has now confirmed that the image of Trump has been reinstated after a review.
The President has strongly denied any involvement in Epstein’s wrongdoing. There is also no indication that the pictures imply any misconduct.
Among the extensive files are images of former President Bill Clinton, including one where he was swimming with Epstein’s former-girlfriend and associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as an unusual portrait painting of him wearing a dress.
The collection also features the late singer Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, Chris Tucker, the former Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, appearing in several photos released by the DOJ.
The timing, location, or context of these photos remain unclear. It is also uncertain to what extent Epstein was associated with these figures or if he attended any related events.