US Justice Dept. Pulls Epstein Files, Trump Image Vanishes, Sparks Outcry

• The US Justice Department removed 16 Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including an image showing Donald Trump, without explanation, less than a day after posting them.
• The unexplained removal fueled public speculation and concerns about transparency, with the House Oversight Committee questioning potential cover-ups.
• Initial document releases offered scant new insight, omitting crucial FBI interviews with victims and internal Justice Department memos on charging decisions.
• Records revealed a strong 2007 case against Epstein, but federal charges were not pursued; former US attorney Alexander Acosta cited concerns about jury belief in accusers.
• Victim testimonies detailed sexual abuse and the recruitment of other underage girls for Epstein, with one victim receiving $200 per recruit.

Why It Matters: Justice Dept. removes Epstein files, including Trump image, raising transparency concerns and leaving key questions unanswered.