The United States government’s most recent attempt to bring transparency to the Jeffrey Epstein case ended up causing more doubts. Last weekend, 16 files that had been published shortly before on its official website were removed from the air, following a decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The unexpected removal of documents that included images involving Donald Trump generated outrage among the victims’ families and reinforced suspicions of a possible cover-up.
Last Friday (19), the public had access to photographs found in Epstein’s properties, revealing details of his social circle. One of the most commented images showed, inside a drawer, a photo of Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell. The record quickly spread on social media.
However, in less than 24 hours, this photograph and 15 other images were removed from the official website. Among them, there were also paintings with nudity. In a brief statement published on social media, the government said that the material was being “reviewed and edited” to protect sensitive information, without clarifying why the files were released and withdrawn almost immediately.
Furthermore, the documents released so far are seen as incomplete, despite Congressional pressure for full transparency. Experts and parliamentarians point out important flaws, such as the absence of key survivor statements provided to the FBI and the lack of clearer references to influential figures who were in contact with Epstein, such as Prince Andrew.
