- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has restored a photograph from the Jeffrey Epstein files that included images of President Donald Trump, following criticism over its sudden removal from a public webpage. The image had appeared on the DOJ’s website on Friday as part of a court-mandated document release, before disappearing several hours later, triggering accusations of selective disclosure.
The disputed document contained multiple photographs. In one, Trump is seen standing with a group of women. Another image shows him alongside his wife Melania Trump, Epstein, and Epstein’s now-convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The same set of images also included photographs of Epstein with former President Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II.
DOJ Cites Victim Protection Concerns
According to the Justice Department, the image was temporarily taken down after the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York flagged it for further review. Officials said the concern centred on whether any women in the photographs could be identified as Epstein’s victims.
“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 DOJ said in a post on X on Sunday, describing the removal as a precautionary measure.
The Justice Department is not redacting the names of any politicians.
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) December 20, 2025
As @DAGToddBlanche made clear: “The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop. Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of…
Blanche Denies Political Motive
Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated or intended to shield Trump. Speaking on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Blanche said the removal had “nothing to do with President Trump” and that officials lacked complete information when the image was first flagged.
“When we hear from victims’ rights groups about this type of photograph, we pull it down and investigate,” Blanche said, adding that the review process is standard procedure in sensitive cases.
Political Backlash Over Transparency
The temporary removal drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who accused the department of protecting a former associate of Epstein. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told ABC News that there should be a “full and complete investigation” into why the Epstein disclosures fell short of legal expectations.
The episode unfolded despite a law signed by Trump requiring the DOJ to make public all Epstein-related files by Friday. Earlier this month, US District Judge Richard Berman ordered the unsealing of grand jury materials from Epstein’s 2019 child sex trafficking case, while directing the department to address survivors’ concerns.