The U.S. Department of Justice defends temporarily removing a photo of Donald Trump from its newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, saying actions were taken to protect victim identities. The photo has since been restored as pressure mounts over redactions and transparency.
Justice Department Explains Photo Removal From Epstein Files
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday defended its decision to temporarily remove a photo featuring former President Donald Trump from a batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents recently published online — a move that sparked intense criticism from lawmakers and watchdog groups over alleged lack of transparency
The photograph, part of a broader release of thousands of pages of Epstein investigative material, showed images of Trump among items found in Epstein’s possession. It was among at least 16 files that disappeared from the DOJ’s public website within a day of the initial release.
Deputy Attorney General Responds to Controversy
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press to address the uproar, insisting that the removal had “nothing to do with President Trump” and was instead prompted by concerns raised by victim advocacy groups and a Southern District of New York judge about potentially identifying individuals in the image.
Blanche said the DOJ pulled the image “out of an abundance of caution” while officials reviewed whether it could be published without violating protections for survivors of Epstein’s crimes. After the review, the department determined that no victims appear in the photo, and it was reposted without redaction.
The DOJ also emphasized that its redactions and temporary removal of files are required by law to safeguard victim privacy and comply with court orders — not to shield any political figure. Blanco specifically denied that redactions were applied due to Trump’s inclusion in the files, reiterating that the process focuses on legal requirements, not political considerations.
Political and Public Reaction
Despite the DOJ’s explanations, the episode has fueled political tension in Washington. Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have demanded greater transparency in the release process and called for further investigation into why files were taken down after being posted publicly.
Critics argue that the redactions and selective disappearing files appear to contradict the spirit of the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of Epstein-related documents to the public. Some lawmakers have even threatened legal actions, including contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi for perceived noncompliance. AP News
Supporters of Trump and some Republicans have also voiced frustration, but for opposite reasons — claiming the DOJ may not be releasing enough content or that the department’s redactions and removals undermine confidence in the process. The Independent
DOJ Commitment to Continued Release
The DOJ said it will continue to release Epstein files in phases, subject to ongoing legal reviews and redactions necessary to protect victims and comply with court orders. The department’s approach underscores the complex balance between public demand for transparency and legal obligations to safeguard individuals named or depicted in sensitive materials.
As the rollout continues, both supporters and critics alike will be watching how the DOJ handles future disclosures — especially given the intense political scrutiny surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s network and its documented connections to high-profile individuals.
