Documents, Trump photo, removed from DOJ site
A recent release of investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein included a photo featuring President Donald Trump that has seemingly been removed from the Department of Justice’s website, along with more than a dozen other files.
The photo, part of a batch of files disclosed on Friday, depicted a desk adorned with various framed and unframed photographs, two of which prominently displayed Trump’s face.
Lawmakers, upon noticing the absence of the image on the DOJ website, raised concerns about potential cover-ups. The House Oversight Committee Democrats questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about the removal of the photo and demanded transparency for the public.
Reports indicate that around 16 files, including the one featuring Trump, went missing from the site over the weekend.
The release on Friday only unveiled a fraction of the documents mandated to be made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Additional files linked to the investigation were gradually made available by the DOJ in the following days.
Congress is contemplating impeachment hearings for AG Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche if the released documents fail to adhere to the law, according to Rep. Ro Khanna.
Rep. Thomas Massie accused the DOJ of flouting the law by selectively disclosing materials and not providing a comprehensive overview of their decisions.
From left, Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida on Feb. 12, 2000.
Davidoff Studios Photography | Archive Photos | Getty Images
Although Trump was a past associate of Epstein, he has not been implicated in any illicit activities. Trump’s presence in the released files was notably limited, but recent images obtained from Epstein’s estate by House Democrats showcased Trump.
The DOJ clarified that they were not redacting any politicians’ names and emphasized that redactions were only made where required by law. Deputy AG Blanche reiterated this stance in various statements and interviews.
Questions regarding the missing photo were redirected to the DOJ by the White House, while further comments from relevant parties are pending.
Former President Bill Clinton also appeared in some of the released photos, sparking speculation about the timing and context of the images. Clinton’s spokesperson emphasized that the release was not an attempt to shield the former president.
Amid ongoing scrutiny, the focus remains on obtaining answers and transparency rather than deflecting blame.
— This report includes contributions from CNBC’s Dan Mangan.
