Epstein Files: DOJ Removes Several Documents of Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking Probe, Including Donald Trump’s Photo
The Department of Justice has recently removed several documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case from public access on its website, including an exhibit featuring a photo of Donald Trump. The move has prompted questions regarding government transparency and the accessibility of high-profile legal filings.
Washington DC, December 21: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently removed several documents pertinent to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation and subsequent legal proceedings from its publicly accessible website. Among the deleted files was an exhibit containing a photograph featuring former President Donald Trump. The removal has occurred without immediate public explanation from the department, sparking concerns among transparency advocates and the public.
The documents, which included various court filings and exhibits, were previously available on a section of the DOJ website dedicated to the Ghislaine Maxwell trial and related cases stemming from Epstein's criminal enterprise. Their sudden disappearance has led to speculation and calls for clarity regarding the rationale behind the decision. Epstein Files: Donald Trump Hardly Appears in New Documents, Photos Related to Convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Background on the Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. He died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell a month later, while awaiting trial. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was subsequently convicted in December 2021 on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, for her role in facilitating Epstein's abuses. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The cases generated immense public interest due to the high-profile individuals associated with Epstein, the nature of his crimes, and the extensive network of victims. Numerous documents, including witness testimonies, flight logs from Epstein's private jet, and other exhibits, have been unsealed over time, often through court orders or media scrutiny, providing insight into the scope of his operations. Epstein Files: New Documents Related to Convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein Released by DOJ, Photos of Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson Surface.
The Removed Trump Photo and Other Exhibits
While the specific content of all removed documents is not fully detailed, the inclusion of a photograph featuring Donald Trump has drawn particular attention. Trump has previously denied any wrongdoing or close association with Epstein, though public records and past statements indicate they knew each other. The nature of the photograph and its relevance to the case remain subject to public inquiry following its removal.
The deleted files were part of a larger collection of documents made public during the various stages of the Epstein and Maxwell trials, intended to provide transparency into the legal process and the evidence presented.
Public Reaction and Calls for Explanation
The unannounced removal of these documents has generated significant public discourse. Critics argue that such actions undermine government transparency, especially in cases of high public interest and national significance. Organizations advocating for open government have called upon the DOJ to provide a clear explanation for the files' disappearance and to restore public access.
As of this report, the Department of Justice has not issued an official statement addressing the removal of the documents or clarifying whether they will be reinstated to public view. The incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding the balance between public access to legal information and governmental control over sensitive case materials.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2025 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).