DOJ Restores Image of Trump to Epstein Files Website After Backlash
The Justice Department said it pulled 15 files from its released Epstein documents to assess whether further redactions to protect victims were needed.
The Justice Department has restored a photograph that included President Donald Trump to the Epstein files website following backlash over its decision to remove several images from the trove of files released over the weekend.
Read More: What Is—and Isn’t—in the Newly Released Epstein Files
The image in question depicted a desk with several framed photographs and an open drawer with more photos and photo albums. One of the photos shows Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and Melania Trump. The DOJ released thousands of pages of documents to the “Epstein Library” on Friday and Saturday after a monthslong bipartisan push and a Congressional mandate for the full release of the files. But the image appeared to have been removed from the website on Saturday, prompting criticisms of an attempted cover up from Democrats and others.
The Justice Department said file “EFTA00000468,” along with at least 14 other files, were temporarily removed from the public release while the agency assessed whether further redactions were needed.
“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 said in a post on X. “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.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously represented Trump in the criminal case against him in New York City last year, which resulted in Trump being convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, defended the move in an interview with NBC on Sunday.
“There were a number of photographs that were pulled down after being released on Friday,” Blanche said. “That’s because a judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group if they have any concerns about the material that we’re putting up.”
DOJ criticized over removal of files, redactions
The Justice Department partially released the files on Friday after Blanche told Congress that the department would not be able to meet the deadline for a full release. Congress had mandated the full release by Dec. 19 under the , which was signed into law by Trump after initially calling on Republicans to resist releasing the files.