US Justice Department restores Trump photo in Epstein files after brief removal

US Justice Department restores Trump photo in Epstein files after brief removal

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday restored a photograph featuring President Donald Trump to its public release of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents, reversing an earlier decision to remove the image following criticism and questions over transparency.

The photograph had been taken down less than a day after it was published as part of a broader release of Epstein files on Friday. At least 16 files were briefly removed from the Justice Department’s public website, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers and media outlets.

The image in question appeared among materials showing items displayed on and inside Epstein’s desk or credenza. It included two photographs: one showing Trump posing with a group of women, and another widely circulated image of Trump standing alongside his wife Melania Trump, Epstein, and Epstein’s now-convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Addressing the removal, the DOJ said the decision was procedural and aimed at protecting potential victims, not shielding any public figure.

“The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims,” the DOJ said in a post on X.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review. 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 department did not specify whether the reference to the Southern District of New York referred to the federal judicial district covering Manhattan or the US Attorney’s Office that handles prosecutions there.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the brief removal had “nothing to do with President Trump” and was instead driven by concerns for the women shown in the image, during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.

The DOJ also responded to criticism that files had been selectively withheld, stating that any temporary removals were carried out to assess legal obligations related to victim protection. Officials said no redactions have been or will be made to protect “famous individuals or politically exposed persons.”

According to CNN and the Associated Press, several of the removed files included images of artwork, mail slots filled with envelopes, a tiled hallway, and a notebook page with names and apartment numbers. One file included a series of photos stored inside a drawer, among them the image of Trump with Epstein and Maxwell.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee criticised the removal, questioning whether information was being concealed. “We need transparency for the American public,” the committee wrote on X.

The DOJ said it remains committed to releasing Epstein-related records in accordance with the law. A department fact sheet noted that “hundreds of thousands of pages of material” remain under review, including photographs, documents and court records connected to the late financier.

Blanche said the department could not meet the congressionally mandated disclosure timeline without risking harm to survivors of Epstein’s abuse.

“The reason why we are still reviewing documents and still continuing our process is simply to protect victims,” he said, adding that thousands of records contain sensitive information requiring individual assessment.

More than 200 lawyers are working on the review process, which is being carried out jointly by the DOJ and the Southern District of New York. Officials said the scale and sensitivity of the material have slowed disclosures but will not prevent eventual release.

The documents were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November 2025, which requires the Justice Department to make public all unclassified records related to Epstein within 30 days.