The US Justice Department released a new Epstein-related document with ‘minimal redactions,’ after it was criticized by Democrats over the removal of photos of US President Donald Trump from previously released files. The DOJ shared the update on X, providing a PDF link to the document and stating that “documents and photos will continue to be reviewed consistent with the law and with an abundance of caution for victims and their families.” The row began when Democrats on the House Oversight Committee accused the DOJ of removing file 468, which reportedly showed Trump with a woman in revealing clothing. At least 16 files vanished from the DOJ webpage without a proper reason. The committee posted on X, “This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release.” They questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi: “Is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”
What was in the missing file 468?
The missing file was said to depict a desk drawer filled with photo albums and documents, including one image showing Trump in a white shirt standing with a group of women, including at least one in a bikini. Another blurry photograph reportedly showed Trump, Melania, and Ghislaine Maxwell. The images are believed to have been taken at Mar-a-Lago in February 2000.The initial release of the Epstein files included thousands of heavily redacted documents and photos featuring Epstein with high-profile figures such as Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. Many files lacked dates or context, and a lot of the text was blacked out. It was assumed that the GOP administration was hiding the names of sexual predators who could be part of the MAGA movement. However, the White House defended the redactions, saying it was done to protect the privacy of Epstein’s victims and survivors. Technical issues made the DOJ website crash on Friday as thousands of users attempted to view the documents at the same time. The files reportedly include images taken inside Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse during the 2019 law enforcement search. Fourteen of the images display large pieces of art featuring nude women, and one shows a building.The DOJ and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the remaining documents will be released in the coming weeks after facing criticism from Democratic frontrunners Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie for only a partial disclosure of tonnes of documents and for failing to comply with the 30-day legal deadline.In the meantime, Trump has not publicly addressed the controversy despite all his promises of transparency regarding the infamous documents.“This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release,” the committee had said.