NPR Investigation: Justice Department Withheld Epstein Files Related to Trump

An NPR investigation has uncovered concerning evidence suggesting the Justice Department has removed or withheld files related to Jeffrey Epstein that also involve President Trump. This raises serious questions about transparency and the full disclosure of information surrounding the Epstein case.

Key Findings of the Investigation

• Withheld Files: Some files pertaining to allegations that President Trump sexually abused a minor have not been made public, despite a legal mandate for their release.
• Removed Documents: Documents mentioning Trump in connection with accusations against Epstein have been removed from the public database.
• Missing Interviews: Over 50 pages of FBI interviews and notes from conversations with a woman accusing Trump of sexual abuse decades ago are unaccounted for.
• Maxwell Connection: Files related to a key witness in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial have also been scrubbed from public view. Maxwell is currently seeking clemency from Trump.

NPR’s investigation meticulously reviewed serial numbers on documents within the Epstein files database, FBI case records, and discovery logs. The findings reveal dozens of pages cataloged by the Justice Department but not publicly accessible.

The Justice Department’s Response

The Justice Department declined to provide on-the-record answers to NPR’s specific questions regarding these missing files, their contents, and the reasons for their non-publication.

White House Claims

When questioned about the missing pages and accusations against the president, a White House spokesperson asserted that Trump “has done more for Epstein’s victims than anyone before him.” The spokesperson further claimed Trump has been “totally exonerated” regarding any connection to Epstein, citing the release of documents, cooperation with the House Oversight Committee, signing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and calls for investigations into Epstein’s associates.

The White House also pointed to a previous statement from the Justice Department dismissing claims within the Epstein files as “untrue and sensationalist.”

Criticism from Lawmakers

Despite the Justice Department’s assurances, lawmakers from both parties have expressed criticism regarding the handling of the file releases. Concerns center around potential violations of the law and a lack of transparency in the redaction process.

Details of the Allegations

Newly released files indicate the FBI circulated allegations linking Trump to Epstein internally in July and August 2025. While many accusations were deemed unverifiable, one lead prompted an interview with the accuser. This allegation details a disturbing account from a woman claiming Trump forced her head down to his exposed penis around 1983, when she was approximately 13 years old, and then punched her when she bit him.

The FBI interviewed this accuser four times, but only the first interview is publicly available. Multiple documents related to these interviews are missing from the public database.

Another woman, who testified against Maxwell, detailed an encounter at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, where Epstein reportedly said, “This is a good one, huh,” and both men chuckled. This interview was briefly removed from the DOJ’s public files before being republished.

Ongoing Concerns and Future Investigations

The Justice Department maintains that any temporary removal of files was due to flagging by victims or their counsel for further review. However, critics argue the handling of these files raises serious questions about the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The investigation continues, and further scrutiny is expected as more information comes to light.

Read more about the Epstein case: Justice Department Epstein Files