The files were made public on Friday, Dec. 19, nearly a month after the president signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law requires the DOJ to release and make searchable all documents tied to federal investigations into Epstein.
But within 24 hours, at least 16 files were removed, according to the Associated Press. One of the missing items was a photograph that reportedly showed an open desk drawer containing an image of Trump.
DOJ Says Victim Protection Is the Reason
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the removals during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. He said the files were taken down after concerns were raised about potential harm to victims.
“There were a number of photographs that were pulled down after being released,” Blanche said. “That’s because a judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group if they have concerns about the material we’re putting up.”
Blanche explained that even if individuals in the photos were not confirmed victims, the DOJ acted cautiously once concerns were raised.
“When we hear concerns, of course, we’re taking that photograph down,” he said. “If we need to redact faces or other information, we will, and then we’ll put it back up.”
He stressed that the decision had “nothing to do with President Trump,” adding that Trump has “nothing to hide” when it comes to the Epstein files.
Questioned About Judge’s Role
Host Kristen Welker pressed Blanche on whether the removals were made at a judge’s direction. Blanche responded that the photo in question included images of women and that the DOJ later learned there were concerns about them being shown publicly.
“That’s why we pulled the photo down,” he said. “It has nothing to do with President Trump.”
More Files Still Under Review
Blanche also addressed why the DOJ has not yet released the full collection of Epstein-related records, despite the law requiring disclosure within 30 days.
“The statute requires us to protect victims,” he said, explaining that officials are still reviewing documents to ensure sensitive details are properly redacted.
Earlier, Blanche acknowledged on X that the department needed additional time to process hundreds of thousands of pages. He said more materials would be released “consistent with the law and with protections for victims.”
What Was Released So Far
The initial release included five separate data sets totaling about 3,900 files. Among them were:
• A scanned copy of Massage for Dummies
• A fully redacted 119-page grand jury filing
• A police report in which a young woman alleged Epstein threatened to burn down her house
The files also contained images of high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, and Michael Jackson.
Epstein’s Death and Ongoing Scrutiny
Epstein died in August 2019 at age 66 while being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York as he awaited trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He was found hanging in his cell, and his death was ruled a suicide.
Despite the latest removals, the DOJ insists it is following the law — and that more Epstein-related files will be released in the coming weeks, once victim protections are fully addressed.
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