Justice Department Reinstates Trump Photo in Epstein Files After Review

Justice Department Reinstates Trump Photo in Epstein Files

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) temporarily removed an image featuring Donald Trump from its website, along with at least 12 other files. These documents were part of thousands released on Friday pertaining to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The image containing Mr. Trump was subsequently reinstated following a departmental review.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday that the initial removal of the image was prompted by concerns from victims, as it reportedly included unredacted images of women. Mr. Blanche refuted criticisms suggesting the removal was related to the former U.S. President. He highlighted that numerous photos of Mr. Trump with Mr. Epstein had already been publicly released, dismissing the idea that a single photo was removed due to Mr. Trump's presence.

The DOJ announced on social media that the image of Mr. Trump had been flagged by the Southern District of New York for "potential further action to protect victims." It was removed temporarily "out of an abundance of caution." Following a review, the department determined there was no evidence that any Epstein victims were depicted in the photograph, leading to its reposting without alteration or redaction by early Sunday. As of Sunday evening, the other 12 removed files had not been returned to the site.

Mr. Blanche referenced a New York judge's order requiring the department to consider concerns from victims or victims' rights groups as a basis for removing some previously posted files.

Donald Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims. The pictures themselves do not imply any wrongdoing.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the removal, asking Attorney General Pam Bondi on social media, "What else is being covered up?" They later reposted the missing photo of Trump, advocating for public transparency.

The DOJ had already faced scrutiny for not releasing all mandated files by the Friday deadline. Congressman Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who led efforts to release the files, expressed frustration with the administration's response. He indicated he was drafting inherent contempt charges for Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating, "They are flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."

The specific image in question depicts a credenza desk in Epstein's residence with an open drawer containing other photographs. One of these photos shows Mr. Trump alongside Mr. Epstein, former First Lady Melania Trump, and Epstein's convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Framed photos were also visible atop the desk.

Ten of the other missing files reportedly included images of the same room, described as a small massage parlor with cloud-painted ceilings and brown patterned wallpaper featuring multiple nudes. While most faces in these nude images were redacted, one face appeared unredacted in some files despite being redacted in others, and another face remained unredacted in all files, with a painted image of the same person also visible.

These events occurred amidst increased scrutiny surrounding the "Epstein files." The documents were released following an act of Congress. The DOJ stipulated that it would redact personally identifiable victim information, materials depicting child sexual or physical abuse, records that could jeopardize active federal investigations, or classified documents affecting national defense or foreign policy. Many of the released documents were heavily redacted, and some anticipated information, such as internal DOJ memos on charging decisions, was not included.