The Department of Justice has mysteriously removed over a dozen Epstein investigation files from its website, including a photo showing President Trump’s face, raising serious questions about transparency and potential cover-up attempts just days after the mandated release.
Story Snapshot
- DOJ removed at least 16 Epstein files from its website, including photo showing Trump’s face
- Democrats immediately cried cover-up while Republican Rep. Massie accused DOJ of disregarding the law
- Congress threatens impeachment hearings for AG Pam Bondi if full compliance isn’t achieved
- Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing and denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes
DOJ Removes Files After Mandated Friday Release
The Department of Justice released Epstein investigative files on Friday, December 19, 2025, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline. Among the released materials was a photo showing President Trump’s face among various framed and unframed photographs on a desk.
By Saturday, December 20, lawmakers discovered this photo and at least 15 other files had vanished from the DOJ website, sparking immediate controversy and accusations of deliberate concealment.
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 Congressional Pushback Emerges
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee quickly seized on the missing files, posting on X that the photo removal suggested a cover-up. However, Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who co-sponsored the transparency legislation, also accused the DOJ of “openly disregarding the law.”
Massie highlighted the discrepancy between the Act’s requirement for internal communications and the DOJ’s assertion of privilege to omit decision-related materials not explicitly specified.
Impeachment Threats Target Trump Administration Officials
Representative Ro Khanna of California announced Congress is considering impeachment hearings for Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche if document releases fail to comply with federal law.
Khanna demanded a clear timeline for remaining document releases and explanations for the incomplete Friday disclosure.
This aggressive stance puts immediate pressure on the new Trump administration’s Justice Department to demonstrate full transparency compliance.
Trump Maintains Innocence While Clinton Photos Surface
President Trump, while acknowledging past friendship with Epstein, has not faced accusations of wrongdoing and has denied awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Deputy Attorney General Blanche, Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer, insisted no effort exists to redact presidential mentions from file releases. Conversely, multiple photos of former President Bill Clinton appeared in Friday’s release, showing him with unidentified young women, though Clinton also faces no wrongdoing accusations.
Transparency Questions Persist Despite DOJ Denials
The DOJ maintained on X that it applies only legally required redactions and avoids redacting politician names unless they are victims. Blanche reiterated this position in ABC News interviews, claiming full transparency adherence.
However, the mysterious file removals contradict these assurances, particularly given the Epstein Files Transparency Act’s explicit mandate for complete disclosure. Clinton’s spokesman suggested the administration prioritizes protecting itself over genuine transparency, indicating deeper concerns about withheld materials.
