US Justice Department restores Trumps photo in Epstein Files, explains why it was removed
The department said on Sunday that the image was reposted after it was determined that it did not risk exposing victims of the late convicted sex offender.
PTC News Desk: The temporary and unexplained removal of certain photographs from the US Justice Department’s public release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has sparked political scrutiny, after officials acknowledged that an image featuring President Donald Trump was taken down and reinstated within 24 hours.
The department said on Sunday that the image was reposted after it was determined that it did not risk exposing victims of the late convicted sex offender. The photograph, which showed a desk with an open drawer containing a picture of Trump alongside several women, had been removed on Saturday as part of a precautionary review. Federal prosecutors in New York had flagged the image amid concerns that it might inadvertently reveal Epstein’s victims.
According to the department, the decision followed representations from alleged victims and their attorneys, prompting officials to act cautiously while assessing the material. Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the move had no link to the president, explaining that the review focused on the women in the photograph rather than Trump.
“It had nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche said, noting that officials did not have full information at the time and opted to temporarily remove the image while checks were conducted. The episode triggered strong criticism from Democrats, who accused the department of protecting the president, a former associate of Epstein. It also raised broader concerns across party lines about transparency in the release of the documents.
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told ABC News on Sunday that a “thorough and complete investigation” was needed to explain why the disclosures failed to meet legal expectations.