The FBI redacted the names of former U.S. President Donald Trump and other prominent figures from documents related to financier Jeffrey Epstein, who faced allegations of sexually abusing minors. Bloomberg reported this development, citing insider sources.
Sources indicated the redactions occurred during preparation for public release. Officials concealed the identities to maintain confidentiality, noting that these individuals—including Trump—were private citizens when the probe launched in 2006.
The decision to withhold names relied on two exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act, which safeguard personal details in law enforcement records from unjustified privacy breaches. These edits preceded statements from the DOJ and FBI that additional file disclosures would be "inappropriate or unwarranted."
Bloomberg clarified that inclusion in the documents does not suggest wrongdoing. No further specifics were provided.