DOJ Restores Photo of Trump in Latest Epstein Files Release Amid Backlash and Transparency Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice has reposted a photograph from its recent batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents after temporarily removing it, following public outcry.

The image depicts items on a desk or credenza in one of Epstein's properties, including framed photos featuring President Donald Trump.

One photo shows Trump posing with a group of women, while another captures him alongside his wife, Melania, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted associate. Other images in the collection include former President Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II.

The DOJ explained that the Southern District of New York had flagged the image for potential review to safeguard victim identities. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review," the department stated on X. Following examination, officials concluded no Epstein victims appeared in the photo, and it was restored unaltered and without redactions.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that redactions in the released materials are strictly limited to legally required protections for victims. "The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law—full stop," he said, adding that no names of politicians are being withheld unless they qualify as victims.

The partial release on Friday included thousands of documents, photographs, and records from investigations into Epstein and Maxwell, following federal judges' approval to unseal grand jury materials. However, at least 16 files initially posted were later removed or became inaccessible, including explicit artwork, envelopes, hallways, and notebooks—prompting accusations of selective withholding.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the handling on CNN's "State of the Union," suggesting the actions aim to conceal information Trump wishes to keep private, involving himself, family, or associates. "It's all about covering up things that, for whatever reason, Donald Trump doesn't want to go public," Raskin said.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a key proponent of the Epstein Files Transparency Act requiring full disclosure, echoed the concerns on CBS's "Face the Nation." He accused the DOJ of defying the law's intent, stating it is "very troubling" and that he would not be satisfied until survivors are. Massie alleged a 60-count indictment implicating prominent figures remains unreleased, describing the process as "selective concealment."

A preliminary review by The New York Times found Trump's name mentioned infrequently in the batch, with most references to publicly known associations. Epstein and Trump were acquaintances for years, though Trump has denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes.

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