Trump's DOJ is suppressing damaging Epstein files about sexual assault allegations
Source: Shirin Ali. "The Epstein files are missing pages about Trump. Where are they?." February 27, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The author argues that Trump's Justice Department is hiding FBI documents about sexual assault allegations against Trump from the Epstein files. She points to missing interview records and questions whether this is a deliberate coverup to protect the president.
Conclusion
The Trump administration's Department of Justice is likely engaged in a coverup by withholding approximately 50 pages of FBI interview documents that contain sexual assault allegations against Trump from the public Epstein file release
Premises
- FBI documents show a woman accused Trump of sexually assaulting her as a minor after being introduced by Epstein in the 1980s
- The woman was interviewed by the FBI four times in 2019, but only one interview appears in the publicly released Epstein files
- About 50 pages of interview documents and notes are missing from the public release, despite being referenced in FBI databases
- The DOJ botched the initial Epstein file release by slow-walking it and then dumping materials sloppily
- The administration's explanation that missing files are 'duplicative' is insufficient given the significance of the allegations
- Trump's relationship with Epstein remains the biggest unanswered question in domestic politics
Assumptions
- Government agencies have a duty to fully disclose public records when legally required
- Missing documents from official releases indicate intentional suppression rather than administrative error
- The Trump administration has motive to suppress damaging information about the president
- Sexual assault allegations against public officials warrant full transparency and investigation