The US Justice Department has restored a photograph of President Donald Trump to the Epstein files after briefly removing it from public view. The move sparked political backlash and renewed debate over transparency in the high-profile case.
The photo was part of thousands of documents released under a new law ordering the public disclosure of materials linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ stated that it removed the image for a brief review and later restored it without any changes.
Photos Epstein Files: Why the Trump Image Was Taken Down
The Justice Department explained that officials flagged the image for review to ensure it did not show any Epstein victims. The Southern District of New York raised the concern as part of its responsibility to protect survivors.
“The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims. Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review,” the DoJ wrote on X.
The department said the photo showed a desk drawer with a picture of Trump alongside other images. Officials stressed the decision was procedural, not political.
DOJ Restores Photo After Review
After reviewing the image, the DOJ said it found no evidence that any Epstein victims appeared in the photograph. The department then restored it to the Epstein files.
“After the review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction,” the statement added.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the decision earlier on Sunday.
“It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said during a Sunday morning appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”
He said concerns focused only on the women visible in the photo.
Photo Removed From Epstein Files: Multiple Photos Also Removed
Reports said as many as 16 images were removed from the DOJ website on Saturday. The Trump photo was among them. Most were restored after internal checks.
The brief takedown, however, fueled suspicion among lawmakers already unhappy with the scope of the document release.
Lawmakers Question DOJ Compliance
Democratic leaders accused the administration of failing to follow the law requiring the release of Epstein-related files fully.
“It’s all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn’t want to go public, either about himself (or) other members of his family, friends,” Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded clarity.
He called for a “complete investigation as to why the document production has fallen short of what the law clearly required.”
Republicans Join the Criticism
Some Republicans also expressed concern. Congressman Thomas Massie said the government failed to meet legal expectations.
“They’re flouting the spirit and the letter of the law. It’s very troubling the posture that they’ve taken. And I won’t be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied,” he told CBS’s “Face The Nation.”
Trump and the Epstein Files
The Justice Department released thousands of Epstein-related documents on Friday. Critics noted heavy redactions and limited references to Trump, despite his past social connection with Epstein.
Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has denied knowing about Epstein’s crimes. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Trump initially opposed releasing the files but later signed the law after pressure from Congress, including members of his own party.