The Federal Bureau of Investigation removed Donald Trump’s name and those of other prominent figures from thousands of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related files before a possible public release, according to people familiar with the review. Investigators said the redactions were made under privacy exemptions because the individuals were private citizens when the Epstein probe began in 2006. The effort, overseen by FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, involved roughly 1,000 bureau employees scrutinising more than 100,000 documents after Trump had promised to ‘declassify’ the material. Last month the Justice Department concluded that no further disclosures were warranted, effectively shelving the trove. Sen. Dick Durbin, who was briefed on the process, said Trump could waive his privacy claims and allow his name to be released if he wants the full files made public. The revelation has fuelled accusations of a cover-up from Epstein victims and pro-Epstein-file activists who had expected a sweeping release. Trump, who previously promoted theories about the late financier, posted a lengthy message urging his supporters to “quiet down” and stop attacking Bondi and Patel, arguing that continued focus on Epstein distracts from his administration’s priorities. The plea underscores widening rifts inside the MAGA movement as conspiracy-minded influencers press for transparency the White House appears unwilling to provide.