DOJ reposts Trump photo removed from Epstein files without redaction

WASHINGTON, DC: The Department of Justice has reposted an image featuring President Trump that was earlier removed from its Jeffrey Epstein files webpage. 

The image, which shows a desk with an open drawer containing multiple photographs of Trump, was temporarily taken down amid questions over missing files from the initial release of Epstein records last Friday and Saturday.

DOJ restores Trump photo after SDNY review

According to the DOJ, the Southern District of New York flagged the photo for potential further action to protect victims. Out of an abundance of caution, the Department temporarily removed the image for additional review. After the review, officials determined there was no evidence that any Epstein victims were depicted in the photograph. The image has now been reposted without any alteration or redaction.

Deputy AG Blanche explains photo removal

NBC News correspondent Kristen Welker asked Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Meet the Press why this photo and other files had been removed. Blanche explained, "You can see in that photo, there are photographs of women… and we learned after releasing that photograph that there were concerns about those women and the fact that we had put that photo up."

He emphasized that the removal had nothing to do with President Trump, noting, "There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein." Blanche added that Trump's association with Epstein has been long acknowledged publicly, stating, "He has said that in the ’90s and early 2000s he socialized with him. So the absurdity of us pulling down a single photo because President Trump was in it is laughable."

A few hours after the image was removed, the DOJ confirmed via social media that it had been restored to the “Epstein Library” on justice.gov.

Lawmakers weigh action over incomplete Epstein file release

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, indicated they are considering filing articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi for missing a deadline to release all Epstein files.

During the interview, Welker also asked Blanche whether he could guarantee that every photo and mention of Trump in the files would be released.

Blanche responded affirmatively, reiterating that Trump had “nothing to hide” and framing the matter as unrelated to Epstein’s alleged crimes.