Exploring claims that the US DOJ deleted Epstein files, including one with President Trump’s photo, amid the 2025 releases under the Transparency Act.
As of December 20, 2025, questions have arisen about whether the US Department of Justice (DOJ) removed certain Jeffrey Epstein-related files from public access, including one featuring a photo of President Trump, shortly after their initial release. The controversy has ignited debates on transparency and potential cover-ups, trending on social media with hashtags like #EpsteinFiles and #DOJRedactions as users share reactions ranging from demands for accountability to defenses of the government’s actions.
The Release and Removals
The DOJ began releasing thousands of Epstein files on December 19, 2025, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, posting them on its “Epstein Library” website. These included photos, grand jury transcripts, and police reports from investigations in Florida and New York. However, an analysis revealed that over a dozen files available on Friday were no longer accessible by Saturday afternoon, including a file showing President Trump’s photo on a desk among other images and documents with works of art containing nudity. The DOJ has stated that the website might inadvertently include sensitive content, such as matters of a sexual nature, despite redactions to protect victim information.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that releases are on a “rolling basis” due to the volume, with over 200 lawyers reviewing documents, and redactions limited to victims’ details, child abuse material, or national security concerns. Over 550 pages were fully blacked out in the initial trove, including extensive grand jury documents.
Background and Context
The files stem from FBI probes into Epstein’s activities in the 2000s and his 2019 death in custody. President Trump’s presence in the documents is minimal, with mentions including a photo of him in a drawer, his book “The Art of the Deal” on a bookshelf, a handwritten note about a missed call from him, and a framed image of Epstein with a redacted woman alongside a $22,500 check signed by Trump. No allegations of wrongdoing against Trump appear in the released materials.
The Transparency Act requires justifications for redactions, but critics argue the removals and blackouts fail to comply with the law’s intent. The DOJ has not commented specifically on the deletions but directs concerns about improper content to a dedicated email.
Reactions and Implications
Congressional figures have voiced strong criticism. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “There are powerful men… who were at these parties… and they didn’t say anything. They need to be at least publicly held accountable.” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) called the release a failure to comply with the law and warned of potential convictions for non-compliance. Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer labeled it a “cover up,” while Sen. Ron Wyden suggested it protects Trump.
Survivors have welcomed the transparency but called for fuller releases without excessive redactions. Online, reactions are polarized, with some accusing the DOJ of shielding influential figures and others viewing the removals as necessary to avoid sensitive disclosures. The ongoing releases may provide more clarity, but the deletions have fueled suspicions about withheld information on Epstein’s network.
Conclusion
The removal of Epstein files, including one with President Trump’s image, highlights ongoing tensions between government transparency and the protection of sensitive information. As more documents are expected, the debate over compliance and accountability continues.
Do you think the file removals indicate a cover-up, or are they justified precautions? Share your thoughts below.