The controversy over the Epstein files continues after a photo of President Donald Trump was reportedly removed from the DOJ’s public release.
The picture came out on Friday. It showed a desk with many photos, and at least two clearly had Trump’s face.
By Saturday, lawmakers noticed it was gone.
“This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release,” Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said in a post on X. “@AGPamBondi is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”
This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release.@AGPamBondi is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public. pic.twitter.com/3wYZAl2dse
— Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) December 20, 2025
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According to reports, at least 16 documents, including the Trump photo, disappeared from the public site.
The batch from Friday was only part of what the law requires. More files were added early Saturday, but the full set is still missing.
Some lawmakers are sounding the alarm, saying the DOJ needs to explain why the full set of documents hasn’t been released.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said, “What we need is a clear timeline of when the rest of the documents will be released and an explanation for why they did not release all of them today.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., co-sponsor of the House bill, accused the DOJ of openly disregarding the law. He pointed to a conflict between the act and the department’s letter asserting privilege to withhold certain materials.
Compare
Language of Epstein Files Transparency Act directing DOJ to provide internal communications regarding their decisions
Versus
DOJ letter to Congress asserting privilege to omit materials related to decisions, because they weren’t specified by law
THEY ARE FLAUNTING LAW pic.twitter.com/O8ydW5XOnq
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 20, 2025
Trump, a former associate of Epstein, has never been accused of wrongdoing. He has denied knowing about Epstein’s abuse of underage girls and women.
Photos featuring Trump were limited in Friday’s release. House Democrats previously obtained several images directly from Epstein’s estate.
The DOJ stated on X late Friday that it was not redacting politicians’ names. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who once represented Trump, said:
“The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop. Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of individuals or politicians unless they are a victim.”
The White House referred questions about the missing photo back to the DOJ. CNBC also contacted the department and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., for comment.
Other high-profile figures appeared in the released files. Former President Bill Clinton was seen in several photos, including one where he sat next to a young woman on the arm of a chair. Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing.
Featured image via X screengrab
