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Washington, D.C. — A photograph of former U.S. President Donald Trump included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files was temporarily removed from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) website before being reinstated, following backlash and questions from lawmakers.
The DOJ initially took down several items from the Epstein document archive after concerns were raised by victims’ rights groups, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Among the removed materials was an image showing Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Epstein’s convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Blanche said the image was flagged by the Southern District of New York for further review because it also contained unredacted images of women. After an internal review, officials determined that none of Epstein’s victims appeared in the photograph, leading to its reinstatement without alteration.
“The photo was removed temporarily out of an abundance of caution,” the DOJ said in a statement on X. “After review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted.”
Files Disappear, Lawmakers Demand Answers
At least 13 files related to Epstein vanished from the DOJ website by Saturday, one day after thousands of documents were released under a congressional mandate. The unexplained removal prompted criticism from Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, who questioned whether information was being concealed.
In a social media post, the committee directly challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking:
“What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”
While the Trump-related image was restored by early Sunday, other missing files had not reappeared as of that evening.
DOJ Rejects Claims of Political Motive
Blanche strongly dismissed suggestions that the image was removed because it featured Trump, calling such claims “laughable.”
“There are already dozens of photos of President Trump publicly available showing him with Mr Epstein,” Blanche told NBC News. “Pulling down a single photo because President Trump was in it makes no sense.”
He added that a New York judge had instructed the DOJ to consider concerns raised by victims or advocacy groups, which led to the temporary removal of several images posted on Friday.
What the Images Show
The reinstated image depicts a credenza desk inside Epstein’s home, with an open drawer containing several photographs. One of them shows Trump, Melania Trump, Epstein, and Maxwell. Framed photos are also visible on top of the desk.
Ten of the missing files reportedly show a small massage room in Epstein’s residence, featuring clouds painted on the ceiling and walls covered with images and artwork of nude women. While many faces were redacted, inconsistencies remain—some faces appear redacted in one file but visible in others.
Trump Denies Any Wrongdoing
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has not been accused of crimes by Epstein’s victims. Officials stress that the presence of his image in the files does not imply misconduct.
Pressure Builds Over Full Disclosure
The DOJ is already facing criticism for failing to release the full set of documents by the legally mandated deadline. The files—containing photos, videos, and investigative materials—were released following an act of Congress requiring their disclosure.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who led the push for the files’ release, said he was frustrated with the administration’s handling of the process and is drafting inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Bondi.
“They are flouting the spirit and the letter of the law,” Massie told CBS News. “I won’t be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied.”
Ongoing Scrutiny
The temporary removal of files has deepened public suspicion surrounding the handling of the so-called Epstein files. While the DOJ says it remains committed to transparency, it has noted that certain materials may still be withheld or redacted to protect victims, ongoing investigations, or classified information.
