The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) temporarily removed an image featuring Donald Trump from its publicly released Jeffrey Epstein files, reinstating it after review. The initial removal prompted questions regarding transparency from congressional representatives.
On Sunday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that certain items from the Epstein files, including the photo containing Donald Trump, had been removed from the DOJ website due to concerns raised by victims. He specified that the photo in question also showed unredacted images of women. Following a review, the image featuring Trump was reposted.
The DOJ clarified that the image of Trump was flagged by the Southern District of New York for potential action to protect victims and was temporarily removed as a precautionary measure. After assessment, it was determined that no Epstein victims were depicted in the photograph, leading to its reinstatement without alteration or redaction.
Blanche dismissed criticisms that the removal was related to Donald Trump, calling such suggestions "laughable" and citing the public availability of numerous other photos depicting Trump with Epstein. He explained that a New York judge had ordered the DOJ to consider concerns from victims or victims' rights groups, which informed the decision to remove some previously posted files. At least 13 files, from thousands released on Friday related to Jeffrey Epstein, had disappeared from the website by Saturday. As of Sunday evening, the other removed files had not been returned.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the image's removal, stating in a social media post, "What else is being covered up?" and demanding transparency for the American public. Congressman Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky who advocated for the files' release, expressed frustration with the administration's response and indicated he was drafting inherent contempt charges for the Attorney General, stating, "They are flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
The DOJ had already faced scrutiny for not releasing all mandated files by the Friday deadline. The documents, including photos, videos, and investigative materials linked to Epstein, were anticipated after Congress passed legislation requiring their full release.
The specific image that was temporarily removed depicted a credenza desk within Epstein's residence. The desk featured an open drawer containing other photographs, one of which showed Donald Trump, then-First Lady Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell. Framed photos were also visible on the desk. Ten of the other missing files reportedly showed images of the same room, described as a small massage parlor with cloud-painted ceilings and brown patterned wallpaper adorned with multiple nude figures. While many faces in these images were redacted, inconsistencies were noted, with one face redacted in one file but visible in three others, and another face remaining unredacted across all files.
Donald Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims. There is no indication from these pictures that they imply any wrongdoing.
The DOJ previously outlined stipulations for its compliance with the congressional request, including redacting personally identifiable information about victims, material depicting child sexual abuse or physical abuse, records that could jeopardize an active federal investigation, or classified documents critical for national defense or foreign policy. Many of the documents released were heavily redacted, offering limited new information about Epstein's crimes, and internal DOJ memos on charging decisions were not included.