Epstein files live: Survivors express outrage over redacted files after Trump officials accused of cover-up

Jeffrey Epstein survivors have said the release of the heavily redacted files has left them in “shock” as the Trump administration was blasted with fresh accusations of a cover-up.

Critics from both sides of the aisle have accused the DOJ of heavily redacting the materials and failing to meet a legal deadline to share all documents in its possession by Friday.

Marina Lacerda, a Brazilian-born survivor said they were “excited” for the files to come out, but were left disappointed.

She told Sky News: "And when they did come out, we were just in shock, and we see that there is nothing there that is transparent. So it's very sad, it's very disappointing."

Democrats claimed the Justice Department had deleted a photo featuring the US president that was part of the Epstein files library on Friday.

They accused the DOJ of deleting the previously available file, which showed a photo of a drawer crammed with papers and photos, including one image of a man who appeared to be Trump with a group of women.

The White House did not comment directly on The Independent's request for comment on the alleged disappearance of the Trump photo but said the Epstein files release makes this administration “the most transparent in history.”

Epstein files latest: Key points

'It's very disappointing': Survivors express outrage over redacted files
Democrats claim photo of Trump deleted from Epstein files
Trump administration must share full timeline for release, Democrats say
Democrats critcise partial release of Epstein files
Photos of Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson feature in Epstein files
Epstein survivors accuse Trump administration of ‘negligence’

'What else is being covered up?': 16 files disappear from DoJ website

13:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

At least 16 files disappeared from the Justice Department's public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including a photograph showing President Donald Trump — less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public.

The missing files, which were available Friday and no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showing a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers.

In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein's longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

The Justice Department didn't answer questions Saturday about why the files disappeared but said in a post on X that "photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information."

Online, the unexplained missing files fueled speculation about what was taken down and why the public was not notified, compounding long-standing intrigue about Epstein and the powerful figures who surrounded him.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee pointed to the missing image featuring a Trump photo in a post on X, writing: "What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."

What is missing from the partially released Epstein files?

12:55 , James Reynolds

Some of the most consequential records are nowhere to be found in the Justice Department's initial disclosures.

Missing are FBI interviews with survivors and internal DoJ memos examining charging decisions, records that could have helped explain why Epstein was allowed to plead guilty to a relatively minor state-level prostitution charge in 2008.

Rep. Ro Khanna said that “the most important documents are missing”. He said survivors most wanted to see a prosecution memo and a draft indictment drawn up against Epstein by federal prosecutor Marie Villafaña in 2007.

Those documents were never filed as her superiors chose to negotiate a deal with Epstein instead.

The records also hardly reference several powerful figures long associated with Epstein, including Britain's former Prince Andrew, renewing questions about who was scrutinised, who was not, and how much the disclosures truly advance public accountability.

The releases so far have been heavy on images of Epstein's homes in New York City and the US Virgin Islands, with some photos of celebrities and politicians.

What did the '16 removed photos' show?

12:28 , James Reynolds

Sixteen pictures included in Friday’s release of Epstein files were seemingly taken down on Saturday.

They were undated and unlabelled, but appeared to be from a 2019 search of Epstein’s New York mansion.

One photograph now missing showed a dresser covered in and containing pictures of people. Inside a drawer was a picture of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Twelve of the pictures removed appeared to show the massage room at Epstein’s New York mansion, according to the NYT.

The images showed paintings and photos of nude women.

It was unclear why those pictures were removed. Other, similar images remained on the website.

While the DOJ has not publicly released a detailed index of the missing files, social media users who independently tracked the file list say they identified 16 documents that were possibly removed.

The DoJ said: “Photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information.”

11:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

'It's very disappointing': Survivors express outrage over redacted files

10:48 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Epstein survivors have said the release of the heavily redacted files has left them in “shock”.

Critics from both sides of the aisle have accused the DOJ of heavily redacting the materials and failing to meet a legal deadline to share all documents in its possession by Friday.

Marina Lacerda, a Brazilian-born survivor said they were “excited” for the files to come out, but were left disappointed.

She told Sky News: "And when they did come out, we were just in shock, and we see that there is nothing there that is transparent. So it's very sad, it's very disappointing."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying across five people in new Epstein files image

10:19 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured lying across the legs of five people in an image released in a huge dump of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In the undated photo, convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell appears to peer down and smile at the former prince, who is smiling with his eyes closed and his head near a woman’s lap. The photograph was taken at the royal residence of Sandringham.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying over five people in new Epstein files image

Epstein survivors outraged over files release to ‘protect people in power’ as 1996 FBI complaint emerges

09:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Survivors of the late Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse have expressed disappointment over a document dump that was heavily redacted and only partially released.

What we know of Epstein’s ‘co-conspirators’ in his sexual crimes

08:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Although the latest documents released by the US justice department reveal several famous personalities who socialised with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, US attorney general Pam Bondi says there is no known Epstein “client list” yet.

However, Republican Congressman Tom Massie says he knows of 20 men who have been implicated in Epstein’s crimes.

Known Epstein aide Ghislaine Maxwell also filed a habeas corpus petition last week, claiming there were “at least 25 men with whom there were confidential private settlements” made “that could equally be considered as co-conspirators”.

However, the petition does not publicly list the names of those 25 men.

Documents reveal 1996 complaint against Epstein ignored by FBI

08:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

The latest trove of documents released by the US justice department includes a record of a complaint filed against Epstein in 1996 with the FBI’s Miami office, long before any federal investigation into the convicted sex offender took place.

Although the complainant’s name has been redacted in the DOJ files, her attorney confirmed the document refers to Epstein survivor Maria Farmer, who has long said she reported Epstein to law enforcement in 1996.

In the complaint, Farmer alleges that Epstein stole nude photos of her underage sisters and possibly sold them. She also claims he sought photographs of girls at swimming pools and threatened her to keep silent.

You can read more about Farmer’s latest statement following the DOJ Epstein files release here:

Epstein survivor learns fate of her 1996 FBI complaint in file dump

‘Very clear DOJ has different motive’: Virginia Giuffre’s brother

07:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

The US justice department’s partial release of documents from the Epstein files reveals that the DOJ has a “different motive”, said Sky Roberts, the brother of Epstein trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre.

Sky Roberts (Virginia Giuffre’s brother): “The reality with the DOJ right now is it’s very clear they have a different motive behind them. It’s another way of creating smoke and mirrors. It’s another way to create this facade that they’re actually doing something when in reality… pic.twitter.com/P89FOCGDJh
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) December 20, 2025

“The reality with the DOJ right now is it’s very clear they have a different motive behind them,” Mr Roberts said yesterday.

“It’s another way of creating smoke and mirrors. It’s another way to create this facade that they’re actually doing something when in reality they’re actually not doing anything at all,” he said.

When will the remaining Epstein files be released?

07:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

The US department of justice has said it will continue releasing the remaining several hundred thousand Epstein-related files “over the next couple of weeks”, suggesting a phased rollout extending into early January 2026.

However, no precise date has been officially announced by the DOJ.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed last month, mandates that the US justice department make all unclassified Epstein-related records publicly available within 30 days of the law being signed, setting a deadline of 19 December 2025.

While the DOJ released an initial batch of documents on Friday, including photographs, FBI complaints, court records, and other investigative material, it did not publish all the files in its possession, and many of the released documents were heavily redacted.

Lawmakers have criticised the Trump administration for failing to meet the 30-day deadline required under the law.

Senator Jeff Merkley said he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency”.

Who are Epstein’s known associates and clients in his crimes?

06:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Although many high-profile names have emerged among people in Jeffrey Epstein’s social circle, most have not been charged with crimes connected to the convicted sex offender, and many have denied any wrongdoing.

There is also no proven or officially confirmed “client list” of individuals who paid Epstein for sex with minors.

The appearance of names in the Epstein files, including references in flight logs or photographs of his properties, does not in itself indicate involvement in sexual crimes.

To date, the only legally proven and convicted associate in Epstein’s sexual crimes is Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in US federal prison for offences including sex trafficking, grooming, and the recruitment of minors.

Another individual accused of being an Epstein co-conspirator was modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was arrested in France in 2020 but died by suicide in prison in 2022 before his trial.

Other figures whose names frequently appear in relation to the Epstein files include former US president Bill Clinton, current president Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak.

However, there have been no criminal charges or victim testimony under oath accusing them of any crimes involving Epstein.

What’s in the 16 documents removed from the Epstein files after their release

06:00 , Vishwam Sankaran

Observers have pointed out that 16 documents from the Epstein files, which were available yesterday, have disappeared from the Department of Justice website where the files were released.

One of the removed documents included an image stored inside a drawer showing US president Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Several other missing documents reportedly contained images of paintings depicting nude women, as well as a photograph showing several pictures placed on a credenza and inside drawers.

While the DOJ has not publicly released a detailed index of the missing files, social media users who independently tracked the file list say they identified 16 documents that were possibly removed.

Epstein scandal likely to dominate the Sunday political shows

05:30 , Rhian Lubin

The Epstein files controversy is likely to dominate the Sunday morning political talk shows this weekend.

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat and Republican congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who led the charge to release the Epstein files, will be on CBS’s Face the Nation Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche will be on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he will likely be quizzed about the documents the DOJ appeared to remove from the tranche of files it dropped, including one of President Donald Trump.

TOMORROW on @MeetThePress with @kwelkernbc, exclusive interviews with:

➡️ @DAGToddBlanche

➡️ Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC (R-S.C.)

➡️ @SenTimKaine (D-Va.) pic.twitter.com/Me9CQi7xKy
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 21, 2025

SUNDAY on @FaceTheNation with @MargBrennan:

➡ @RepRoKhanna and @RepThomasMassie

➡ National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett

➡ @unicefchief

➡ @ArchbishopOKC

➡️ @SalvantoCBS pic.twitter.com/tiyoY3C39K
— CBS News PR (@CBSNewsPress) December 20, 2025

DOJ releases new Epstein docs, including from Epstein and Maxwell cases

05:00 , Josh Marcus

The Justice Department released a new batch of Epstein files Saturday, including grand jury documents from past cases against the late sex offender and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

In one document, an FBI agent testified that an Epstein victim said Maxwell acted "like a cool older sister and made comments like this is what grownups do” when trying to convince girls to perform various acts.

The agent recounted hearing from an individual that Maxwell encouraged her to wear a schoolgirl outfit while serving Epstein tea, an encounter in which the late financier reached under the woman’s skirt and touched her sexually.

A schoolgirl outfit was later recovered from Epstein’s mansion, the agent said.

You can read the documents here on the DOJ website.

ICYMI: Four major takeaways from Epstein files

04:30 , Alex Woodward

Thousands of documents from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein have finally been released by President Donald Trump’s administration after months of public pressure.

While an initial round of long-awaited documents includes a vast library of salacious images and photographs of high-profile figures, it remains unclear whether they shed any new light on Epstein’s crimes and alleged connections to a sex trafficking ring implicating prominent officials accused of exploiting and abusing young girls.

Disclosures related to the Epstein Files Transparency Act include hundreds of undated photographs as well as heavily redacted images and case files, including 119 pages of grand jury testimony that have been totally blacked out.

Photographs submitted by law enforcement investigating Epstein’s properties include sex toys and costumes, images of women exposing themselves, folders full of photographs of nearly naked women, and nude paintings and sculptures of women’s breasts.

Alex Woodward has the details...

Four major takeaways from heavily redacted Epstein files

UFC fighter says he won't take part in White House fight event over Epstein files

04:00 , Rhian Lubin

UFC fighter Sean Strickland said that he’ll give the White House event next year a swerve and nodded to the current Epstein files scandal.

“I think I’d wanna do the White House… if there was some kind of inclusion for fans…but like, just to go hang out with the f***ing Epstein list?” Strickland told controversial online streamer Adin Ross. “I’m good, dog. I’m good, dude.”

Donald Trump has said the UFC is planning “eight or nine championship fights” for its proposed event at the White House in 2026.

UFC president Dana White is friends with Trump and the pair have been working on staging a fight card at the White House on 14 June – the president’s birthday.

Beyond the date, details have been somewhat scarce.

Epstein files saga has dogged the Trump administration for most of 2025

03:30 , Rhian Lubin

The Jeffrey Epstein scandal has dogged Donald Trump and his administration for most of the first year in his second term.

Survivors of the late sex offender’s abuse have long campaigned for full transparency and the release of all of the documents in the case.

That deadline was up on Friday.

Thousands of documents in Epstein’s cases, and the probe against his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, have already been made public and the Justice Department yesterday dropped files that have not been seen publicly before.

But there was no smoking gun. The DOJ dumped the undated documents without any context and hundreds of pages were redacted.

The end of Trump’s first year in office has culminated in anger yet again over the Epstein case.

After promising to release the Epstein files during the 2024 presidential election, Attorney General Pam Bondi threw the issue into the spotlight again in February when she said the files were sitting on her desk.”

A botched photo-op with MAGA influencers took place, where they were given binders of “Phase 1” documents that were largely already in the public domain.

Trump’s MAGA base erupted in July when a DOJ and FBI bombshell memo deemed that “no further disclosures” in the convicted pedophile’s case would be “appropriate or warranted.”

It was a controversy that failed to die down and one in which Trump’s own chief of staff, Susie Wiles, recently admitted she and the administration had underestimated.

In November, following a relentless pressure campaign from the right and the left, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the Justice Department to release all of the documents, which Trump then reluctantly signed into law.

Justice Department officials have already said that not all materials will be released by the deadline, prompting yet more outrage from both Democrats and Republicans, and survivors.

Social media users fact-check DOJ's claim it complied with the law on Epstein files

02:55 , Rhian Lubin

Social media users on X have “added context” to a post by the Department of Justice that attempted to quell speculation over whether the names of politicians were redacted in the Epstein files.

The department issued a brief statement Friday from deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche after Fox News reported the DOJ used the same redaction standards for “politically exposed individuals and government officials” as it did for Epstein’s victims.

“The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop,” Blanche said. “Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of individuals or politicians unless they are a victim.”

But X users felt compelled to add some additional information which now shows up on the DOJ’s post.

“The DOJ’s extensive redaction of the only-partially released Epstein files does not comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and thus is against the law,” the note said.

Notes are compiled by contributors on the platform who sign up to write and rate them.

Ro Khanna takes a swipe a JD Vance as 2021 social media post emerges

02:20 , Rhian Lubin

Representative Ro Khanna — a California Democrat who, along with Republican congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, led the charge to release the Epstein files, has highlighted one of Vice President JD Vance’s old social media posts calling for the documents to be released.

In 2021, Vance posted: “What possible interest would the US government have in keeping Epstein’s clients secret? Oh...”

Khanna shared the post to his X account and accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of breaking the law.

Great question, @JDVance. Have you asked @AGPamBondi?

She is brazenly breaking the law @RepThomasMassie and I led and insulting MAGA voters' intelligence with excessive redactions and concealment. https://t.co/ViFhgsnMnL
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) December 20, 2025

Gavin Newsom: "What are Trump, Bondi, and Kash hiding?"

01:50 , Rhian Lubin

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team has asked: “What are Trump, Bondi, and Kash hiding?” after it emerged the Justice Department has removed 16 documents in the Epstein files it released Friday.

Newsom’s official press office account on X also pointed out that FBI deputy director Dan Bongino announced he would be leaving his role in January 2026, just a few days before the documents were dropped.

Bongino, who has long campaigned for the release of the documents in the late sex offender’s case, reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi during the summer over her handling of the Epstein files and the release of a joint memo that attempted to draw a line under the saga.

WHAT ARE TRUMP, BONDI, AND KASH HIDING?

IS THIS WHY BONGINO QUIT THE DAY BEFORE THEY IGNORED THE LAW AND RELEASED ONLY A FEW FILES? https://t.co/ScCTZWfM52
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 20, 2025

Has Trump said anything about the Epstein files release?

01:15 , Rhian Lubin

President Donald Trump has not acknowledged or commented publicly on the release of the Epstein files.

On his way to a rally Friday night in North Carolina, the president made brief remarks to reporters about drug prices, which he touched on during his speech, but ignored any questions on Epstein.

Trump spoke for 90 minutes at a rally in Rocky Mount and made no mention of Epstein during his speech.

Watch: ‘Stop redacting names’ says Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda

00:50 , Rhian Lubin

Jeffrey Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda has spoken out after thousands of documents released from the Jeffrey Epstein case were heavily redacted.

“Just put out the files and stop redacting names that don't need to be redacted. It's just - who are we trying to protect?” said Marina Lacerda, who has publicly identified herself as someone who was abused by the late convicted sex offender.

More Democrats accused Trump's DOJ of a 'cover-up'

00:20 , Rhian Lubin

Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California was among Democrats accusing the Trump administration of a “cover-up” over the Epstein files release.

Trump’s DOJ appears to be scrubbing any mentions of Trump from the Epstein files after they were already public.

Every deleted file, every redaction after-the-fact is outrageous and unacceptable. This is an active cover-up, and we need answers. https://t.co/phDLU1HsZ0
— Rep. Jimmy Gomez (@RepJimmyGomez) December 20, 2025

Full story: Democrats claim DOJ has deleted Trump photo from Epstein files

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:48 , Rhian Lubin

The Department of Justice appears to have removed 16 files from the document dump that landed Friday afternoon, though the department has not offered any explanation as to why.

One of the documents that no longer appears is a photograph of Jeffrey Epstein’s desk or bureau, with the drawers open.

Visible is a photograph of a man who appears to be President Donald Trump standing in the middle of a group of women.

This file, number 468, is no longer visible in a list of documents on the DOJ’s website.

Other documents that no longer appear include photos of what looks to be a massage room where the walls are adorned with nude images of women.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent as to why some documents have been removed.

Full story: Democrats claim DOJ has deleted Trump photo from Epstein files

Saturday 20 December 2025 23:00 , Rhian Lubin

The Department of Justice has removed at least 16 files from the Jeffrey Epstein documents it released Friday without any explanation, including one including a picture of President Donald Trump, as Democrats accused the administration of a “cover-up.”

Trump’s photograph appeared several times among the thousands of documents, which were undated and lacked any context.

Among the files that appear to have been removed from the DOJ’s website since Friday’s publication is a photograph taken of Epstein’s desk or a bureau, with the drawers open.

Inside the drawers is a photo of a man who appears to be Trump, dressed in a white shirt, standing with a group of women, including at least one who is wearing a bikini. The identities of the women are not known and their faces were not redacted in the photograph.

Read the full story below.

Democrats claim DOJ has deleted Trump photo from Epstein files

Epstein files deletion could be 'one of the biggest cover ups in American history'

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:40 , Josh Marcus

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fumed on Saturday about the Justice Department’s apparent removal of a series of previously released Epstein files from its web page, including one that appeared to reference the president.

In one of the files, it appeared multiple photos of Donald Trump could be seen, including one with him standing with a group of women.

“This is what Susie Wiles meant when she said Trump and Epstein were ‘young, single playboys together,’” Schumer wrote on X, referencing recent comments from the White House chief of staff Susie Wiles downplaying the president’s prior friendship with the late sex offender.

“And if they’re taking this down, just imagine how much more they’re trying to hide…” Schumer continued. “This could be one of the biggest cover ups in American history.”

Trump’s chief of staff confirms Trump is in the Epstein files as she torches Bondi

READ: New Epstein docs released, including from Epstein and Maxwell cases

Saturday 20 December 2025 22:00 , Josh Marcus

The Justice Department released a new batch of Epstein files on Saturday, including grand jury documents from past cases against the late sex offender and his living associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

In one document, an FBI agent testified that an Epstein victim said Maxwell acted "like a cool older sister and made comments like this is what grownups do” when trying to convince girls to perform various acts.

The agent recounted hearing from an individual that Maxwell encouraged her to wear a schoolgirl outfit while serving Epstein tea, an encounter in which the late financier reached under the woman’s skirt and touched her sexually.

A schoolgirl outfit was later recovered from Epstein’s mansion, the agent said.

You can read the documents here on the DOJ website.

Congressman accuses DOJ of 'flaunting' law on Epstein files release

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:20 , Josh Marcus

The Department of Justice is ignoring clear provisions in a bill signed last month requiring it to release all unclassified Epstein files, including those from within the FBI, DOJ, and federal prosecutors’ records, according to one of the representatives who led the Epstein push in Congress.

“THEY ARE FLAUNTING LAW,” Rep. Thomas Massie wrote in a post on X, comparing side-by-side images of the Epstein Files Transparency Act and the DOJ’s letter to Congress describing certain materials it said it would withold, such as those touching on attorney-client privilege and files on DOJ work-product.

DOJ may have removed more than a dozen files from Epstein release: report

Saturday 20 December 2025 21:05 , Josh Marcus

The Justice Department may have removed more than a dozen files from the Epstein materials released online yesterday, an NPR review found.

The removed files reportedly included an image of a desk drawer filled with photos, including two that appeared to show Donald Trump, as well as separate files showing images various works of art, including those containing nudity.

At least 16 files were removed, a separate Associated Press review found.

Democrats in Congress have said they will investigate the missing Trump photo, suggesting it might be part of a larger cover-up.

VIDEO: Trump delays on Epstein files are 'very hard on the survivors'

Saturday 20 December 2025 20:40 , Josh Marcus

Saturday 20 December 2025 19:11 , Josh Marcus

Democrats have accused the Justice Department of removing a document from Friday's Epstein files release that appeared to show Donald Trump in a photograph with a scantily-clad woman.

“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 wrote on X Saturday. “[Attorney General Pam Bondi] is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”

The file shows a photo of a desk drawer full of photo albums and documents. Among them is a photograph of a man who appears to be Donald Trump, dressed in a white shirt, standing with a group of women, including at least one who looks to be wearing a bikini. Behind the photo is a partially obscured photo where the faces of Trump, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell can be seen.

This photo appears to be one that has been widely circulated featuring the Trumps, before they were married, Epstein, and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in February 2000.

“The Trump Administration is the most transparent in history,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent. “By releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House Oversight Committee’s subpoena request, and President Trump recently calling for further investigations into Epstein’s Democrat friends, the Trump Administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have.”

A Trump administration official referred further questions to the Department of Justice, which has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Independent.

Many of the photos in the Epstein files released Friday are without dates and lacking in context. Inclusion in the Epstein files does not suggest wrongdoing.

Critics accuse the administration of failing to fully release the files it agreed to under a law signed last month.

The DOJ says it is focusing on protecting the privacy of victims and that further releases are forthcoming over the next few weeks.

The release has also been plagued with technical issues.

After the DOJ posted thousands of documents to its website on Friday, it appeared that so many people were trying to access the files at the same time that the site required users to wait in a queue for access. The site frequently crashed as attempts to open files were made.

Justice Department appears to delete photo of Trump from Epstein files library

Saturday 20 December 2025 18:58 , Josh Marcus