Following the initial partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files on December 19, the DOJ removed over a dozen documents from its website over the weekend, prompting further criticism from both parties. Deputy AG Todd Blanche defended the actions on NBC's 'Meet the Press' as solely for victim protection, amid accusations of legal violations and political cover-up.
In the wake of the Justice Department's partial release of Epstein files on December 19—detailed in prior coverage—the DOJ removed more than a dozen files from its website over the weekend. Among them was an image of a desk drawer containing photos, some featuring President Trump. This followed the heavily redacted batch, which included photos of former President Bill Clinton with Epstein (contrasting a prior House Oversight release where Trump was mentioned over 1,000 times).
Deputy AG Todd Blanche addressed the removals and redactions on NBC's 'Meet the Press' Sunday, insisting they protected known and potential victims whose identities surfaced post-publication. 'Absolutely, positively not,' he rejected suggestions of political motivations, reputational concerns, or Trump protection, noting existing public photos of Trump with Epstein.
Criticism intensified across the aisle. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), co-sponsor of the Epstein Transparency Act, reiterated demands for FBI interviews, a draft indictment, and grand jury testimony. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) accused AG Pam Bondi and Blanche of law violations, while outgoing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene deemed it 'not MAGA.' Blanche promised more disclosures soon.
The developments heighten pressure on the Trump administration amid midterm elections, continuing the Epstein transparency saga.
