The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) faced intense scrutiny over the weekend of December 20-21, 2025, after at least 16 files, including photographs from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, briefly disappeared from its public "Epstein Library" webpage less than a day after their initial release on Friday, December 19. Among the removed items was an image of a credenza and open drawer in Epstein's home containing various photographs, including one well-known picture of President Donald Trump with his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as another of Trump surrounded by women.
The removals occurred without immediate public explanation or notice, sparking accusations of selective withholding and potential cover-up, particularly from Democratic lawmakers. House Oversight Committee Democrats highlighted the missing Trump-related image in a post on X, questioning: "What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the issue during a Sunday appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, insisting the removals were solely to protect potential victims and had "nothing to do with President Trump." He explained that the DOJ acts swiftly on concerns raised by victims, their representatives, or courts, stating: "There were a number of photographs that were pulled down after being released on Friday... because a judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group if they have any concerns." Blanche emphasized compliance with legal obligations, noting that images would be reviewed, potentially redacted (e.g., faces blurred), and reposted if appropriate.
By Sunday afternoon, the DOJ announced on X that the Trump-related photograph had been restored unaltered after review confirmed no Epstein victims were depicted. The department stated: "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review. After the review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction." Similar explanations applied to other removed files, which primarily included nude paintings or artworks from Epstein's properties.
This incident unfolded amid broader criticism of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files release, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act—a law signed by President Trump requiring full disclosure of unclassified investigative materials by December 19, 2025. The initial tranche included thousands of documents, photos, and records, but was heavily redacted and partial, prompting bipartisan backlash for allegedly failing to meet the statute's requirements.
The released materials featured previously unseen images of former President Bill Clinton, including in a swimming pool, wearing cultural attire, and with celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Chris Tucker, and Kevin Spacey. Other photos showed Prince Andrew in compromising positions and Epstein with various associates. Trump's appearances were minimal and mostly in already-public social photos from the early 2000s, with no new implicating evidence.
Critics, including co-sponsors Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), accused the DOJ of defying Congress. Massie threatened contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi, while Democrats explored legal options, including lawsuits or impeachment referrals. Victim advocates, such as attorney Gloria Allred, also raised alarms over inadequate redactions exposing some survivors.
Blanche defended the process, assuring that all Trump-related material would be released without political redactions and that ongoing reviews prioritize victim privacy. He reiterated Trump's stance of having "nothing to hide" regarding Epstein associations.
The Epstein case continues to captivate public attention due to the financier's connections to powerful figures and his 2019 death in custody, ruled a suicide. The rolling releases are expected to continue into early 2026, with the DOJ committing to further disclosures after thorough victim-sensitive reviews.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions over transparency in high-profile investigations, balancing public interest against privacy protections under federal law.
