Missing Epstein files: Did testimony accusing Trump of sexual assault disappear?
2026-02-25 - 11:32
More than 90 FBI witness reports appear to be missing from the millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released to the public, including testimony from a woman who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault, according to a CNN analysis. The apparent gaps in the record have sparked renewed debate over the transparency of the investigation into the convicted sex offender's extensive abuse network. Missing 302 Forms The missing documents are primarily "302 forms"—FBI records of witness interviews that former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe described as "the most basic and most important building blocks" of any investigation. Of approximately 325 such interviews conducted during the Epstein probe, more than a quarter—over 90 records—are not included in the public file. Among the absent materials are three interview memoranda from a woman who contacted the FBI tip line days after Epstein's 2019 arrest, reporting she had been trafficked and abused starting at age 13. Allegations Against Trump According to the complaint, the woman met Epstein through a babysitting advertisement and suffered years of abuse. During her interview, she presented agents a photograph showing Trump and Epstein together. Records indicate her attorney expressed "concerns about accusing prominent individuals." Evidence logs show three additional 302 forms and three interview notes related to this witness dating from August and October 2019, but these documents do not appear in the public release. Separately, redacted files contain allegations from another woman accusing Trump of sexual abuse and violence, though the FBI's conclusions regarding these claims remain unclear. Justice Department Response A Justice Department spokesperson denied any intentional removal of records, maintaining the release process complied fully with legal requirements. Officials suggested missing files may be located in different sections or that document serial numbers may have been redacted. However, Epstein victims searching the database report being unable to find their own testimony. "We're all looking for our victim statements," said Jess Michaels, who was abused by Epstein at age 22. She argued the heavy redactions and missing reports create the impression "that the Justice Department is trying to deceive the entire country." Transparency Questions The missing documents, particularly those involving allegations against powerful figures, raise fundamental questions about the completeness of the Epstein file disclosure. Critics argue that without full access to investigative records, the public cannot assess whether justice was served or whether influential individuals received protection. The controversy echoes longstanding concerns about the handling of the Epstein case, which produced a lenient 2008 plea deal in Florida before federal prosecutors in New York brought more serious charges in 2019—charges rendered moot by Epstein's suicide while awaiting trial.