Washington, DC, USA | December 21, 2025
Sixteen documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have disappeared from the US Justice Department (DOJ) website, including a photograph that allegedly showed former President Donald Trump, according to publicly archived records and lawmakers’ statements.
The files were removed less than 24 hours after being uploaded, and the Justice Department has so far provided no public explanation, fueling widespread discussion and questions on social media platforms.
📂 What Was Included in the Missing Files
According to archived listings, the removed materials included:
Photographs of paintings depicting nude women
Images reportedly recovered from drawers and furniture
A photograph allegedly showing Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell
The photo was part of a broader collection of visual evidence included in recently released Epstein-related records.
⚖️ Justice Department Silent on Removal
The DOJ has not clarified whether the files were removed intentionally, temporarily, or due to an internal review process. A department spokesperson declined to respond to media inquiries, and no official notice was issued regarding the changes.
The lack of explanation has intensified public speculation over what was removed and why, particularly given the high-profile individuals referenced in the materials.
🏛️ Lawmakers Demand Transparency
Democratic members of a Congressional Oversight Committee raised concerns on social media platform X, questioning the disappearance of the files.
“What else is being hidden?” one lawmaker wrote, adding that transparency is essential for the American public.
📜 Concerns Over Epstein Document Disclosures
The incident has revived earlier criticism surrounding the DOJ’s recent release of Epstein-related documents under newly enacted disclosure laws. While the records included photographs of Epstein’s homes in New York and the US Virgin Islands, critics argue they lacked key investigative details.
Notably absent were:
FBI interviews with victims
Internal prosecutorial decision memos
Detailed explanations for plea agreements that allowed Epstein to avoid more severe federal charges for years
🌍 High-Profile Names, Limited Details
While the documents referenced several prominent figures — including Britain’s Prince Andrew — only limited information was provided regarding the scope of investigations involving those individuals.
Newly revealed material did include previously undisclosed claims, such as a 1996 complaint accusing Epstein of stealing photographs of minors, and confirmation that federal prosecutors later withdrew from pursuing a full case in the early 2000s.
🔍 Ongoing Public Scrutiny
The unexplained disappearance of the 16 files has further heightened public interest in the Epstein case and the handling of evidence related to individuals within his social and political circles.
As of publication, the Justice Department has not indicated whether the files will be restored or whether an internal review is underway.
