DOJ Under Scrutiny: Missing Epstein Files Raise Questions of a Potential Cover-Up
Washington D.C. – The Department of Justice is facing mounting criticism after revelations that key files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, and allegations against President Donald Trump, have been withheld from public release. An NBC News analysis, corroborated by Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), reveals that summaries and notes from three FBI interviews with a South Carolina woman alleging sexual assault by both Epstein and Trump are missing from the publicly available Epstein files.
Allegations and the Missing Interviews
The woman initially came forward in 2019, detailing alleged abuse by Epstein on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, dating back to around 1984. The FBI conducted four interviews with her – July 24, August 7, August 20, and October 16, 2019 – as part of the investigation into Epstein and his associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell. While a summary of the July 24th interview, detailing the abuse by Epstein, was released, the records of the subsequent three interviews remain unavailable.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed to NBC News that the same woman also alleged she was forced into a sexual act with President Trump when she was 13 years old. It remains unclear whether these allegations against Trump were discussed during the missing interviews.
DOJ’s Response and Congressional Concerns
When questioned about the missing documents, the Justice Department stated that all responsive documents were produced, and those not released fall into categories such as duplicates, privileged information, or ongoing investigations. The DOJ also referenced a previous statement claiming that released files “may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos” and contained “untrue and sensationalist claims” against President Trump submitted before the 2020 election.
Representative Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, expressed strong concerns, stating, “There is definitely, in my opinion, evidence of a cover up happening.” He confirmed that he personally reviewed the unredacted files at the Justice Department and could not locate the missing documents, even in unredacted form, a potential violation of both the Epstein Files Transparency Act and a House subpoena.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act and Legal Framework
The release of the Epstein files was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump in November 2025. The Act allows the DOJ to withhold records containing victim information, child sexual abuse materials, or those that could jeopardize ongoing investigations. However, it specifically prohibits withholding documents based on “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”
White House Deflection and Political Fallout
The White House has consistently defended President Trump, with a spokesperson stating he has been “totally exonerated” regarding any connection to Epstein. They also criticized Democrats for allegedly soliciting funds from Epstein after his conviction.
Recent Document Releases and Ongoing Investigations
The Department of Justice published over 3.5 million pages responsive to the Epstein Files Transparency Act as of January 30, 2026, including over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. The files were collected from multiple sources, including cases in Florida and Novel York involving Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, investigations into Epstein’s death, and FBI investigations.
What Does This Mean for Future Transparency Efforts?
This situation raises serious questions about the completeness and integrity of the publicly released Epstein files. The withholding of potentially crucial evidence, particularly regarding allegations against a former president, erodes public trust in the Justice Department and the transparency of government investigations.
FAQ
Q: What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?
A: It’s a law signed in November 2025 requiring the Department of Justice to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Q: Why were some files withheld?
A: The DOJ claims the withheld files fall into categories like duplicates, privileged information, or ongoing investigations.
Q: What is Rep. Garcia’s position on this?
A: He believes there is evidence of a cover-up and that the withholding of documents violates the law and a House subpoena.
Q: What did the White House say about the missing files?
A: The White House maintains that President Trump has been exonerated and criticized Democrats for their past interactions with Epstein.
Did you grasp? The DOJ employed over 500 attorneys and reviewers to process the Epstein files, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York implemented an additional review protocol to protect victim information.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about this developing story by following reputable news sources and tracking updates from the House Oversight Committee.
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