The Department of Justice mysteriously removed at least 16 Epstein investigation files from its website just one day after their mandated release, including a photo showing President Trump’s face, sparking accusations of a cover-up and potential impeachment threats against Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Story Highlights
- DOJ removed 16 Epstein files including Trump photo within 24 hours of release
- Democrats accuse Attorney General Pam Bondi of covering up evidence
- Congress threatens impeachment hearings over DOJ’s failure to comply with transparency law
- Republican Rep. Massie accuses DOJ of openly disregarding federal statute
DOJ Removes Files Despite Transparency Mandate
The Department of Justice removed at least 16 files from the Epstein investigation release within 24 hours of their Friday publication, including file 468 containing photographs of President Trump’s face.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandated complete disclosure of all investigative documents by December 19, 2025. The removed photo showed a desk collection of framed and unframed photographs, with at least two clearly displaying Trump’s face among other items seized during the investigation.
Epstein files: A number of documents, including Trump photo, reportedly removed from DOJ release site https://t.co/GwrNZVST75
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 20, 2025
Bipartisan Congressional Backlash Emerges
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who co-sponsored the transparency legislation, accused the DOJ of openly violating federal law. Massie highlighted the stark contrast between the Act’s clear directive for internal communications and the DOJ’s assertion of privilege to withhold materials.
Democrat Representative Ro Khanna of California announced Congress is considering impeachment hearings against Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche if document releases fail to comply with statutory requirements.
Trump Administration Denies Political Redactions
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s criminal defense attorney, stated there has been “no effort” to redact presidential mentions from the files.
The DOJ maintained on social media that redactions apply only to legally required protections, specifically for victims, not politicians or individuals. Trump has consistently denied awareness of Epstein’s criminal activities and faces no accusations of wrongdoing related to the investigation, despite their former friendship.
Democrats Cry Cover-Up While Republicans Demand Accountability
House Oversight Committee Democrats questioned Attorney General Bondi directly on social media, asking “What else is being covered up?” regarding the missing files. The controversy highlights deeper concerns about government transparency and selective document release.
Interestingly, former President Bill Clinton appeared in several released photos without apparent removal, raising questions about the criteria used for file retention versus deletion from the public database.
