Epstein Files Vanish from DOJ Website
On Saturday, it was discovered that at least 15 documents concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had been taken down from the Justice Department's website. These materials had been made available to the public on Friday as part of a document release.
The reason for their removal remains unclear. CBS News confirmed the disappearance by comparing Friday's complete document set with what was accessible on Saturday. The Justice Department has been contacted for explanation but has not yet provided comment.
In a social media post to its X account Saturday night that seemed to touch on the issue, the DOJ wrote: "Photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information."
Missing Materials Include Sensitive Content
Among the vanished files was one showing framed photographs on a desk, including images of former President Bill Clinton and the pope. Another photo in an open drawer depicted President Trump with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Other removed documents contained pictures of a room featuring what appeared to be a massage table, along with nude photographs and paintings.
This development has intensified existing concerns about the Justice Department's highly anticipated document disclosure. The initial release of tens of thousands of pages provided limited new information about Epstein's crimes or the prosecutorial decisions that allowed him to avoid serious federal charges for years.
Key Investigative Records Absent
Notably missing from the disclosures are FBI interviews with victims and internal Justice Department memos regarding charging decisions. These records could have offered insight into how investigators approached the case and why Epstein was permitted in 2008 to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge.
The documents, required for release under recent congressional legislation, barely mention several prominent figures long connected to Epstein, such as Britain's former Prince Andrew. This omission renews questions about who was examined, who was not, and how much the disclosures genuinely advance public accountability.
Among the new information revealed is insight into the Justice Department's decision to drop an investigation into Epstein in the 2000s, which enabled his state-level plea deal. Also included is a previously unseen 1996 complaint accusing Epstein of stealing photographs of children.
Release Process and Content Focus
So far, the released materials have heavily featured images of Epstein's residences in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some photographs of celebrities and politicians.
There were several never-before-seen photos of Clinton but very few of Mr. Trump. Both have been associated with Epstein but have since distanced themselves from those relationships. Neither has been accused of any misconduct related to Epstein, and there is no indication the photographs played any role in the criminal cases against him.
Despite a congressional deadline set for Friday to make all documents public, the Justice Department stated it plans to release records gradually. Officials attribute the delay to the time-consuming process of redacting survivors' names and other identifying information. The department has not indicated when additional records might become available.
