Trump's Image in Epstein Files Reinstated After Controversy

Mon Dec 22 2025 13:42:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The image featuring Donald Trump in files related to Jeffrey Epstein has been restored on the DOJ's website after being temporarily removed due to concerns expressed by victims.

A controversial image featuring Donald Trump within files related to Jeffrey Epstein has been restored to the Department of Justice's website following its removal amidst concerns from victims. The DOJ clarified that the removal was not directly linked to Trump, stating that it was part of a broader effort to protect victims' rights. The reinstated image shows no victims and features Trump alongside Epstein and other associates, while the DOJ responds to increasing demands for transparency from lawmakers.

Items from the Epstein files, including a photo featuring Donald Trump, were removed by the justice department from its website because of concerns raised by victims, the deputy attorney general said on Sunday.

The image featuring Trump was later reinstated after review, said Todd Blanche, deputy attorney general.

Mr Blanche rejected criticisms that the removal was related to the US president and said the photo that included him also showed unredacted images of women.

At least 13 files - from thousands released on Friday related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein - had disappeared from the website without explanation by Saturday.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the images' removal. In a social media post, they asked Attorney General Pam Bondi: What else is being covered up?

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a post on X on Sunday that the image of Trump was flagged by the Southern District of New York for potential further action to protect victims. It added that the image was removed temporarily for further review out of an abundance of caution.

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.

That image was restored by early Sunday, available through a link to the website. The other files had not returned to the site as of that evening.

Blanche called the suggestion that the photo was removed due to Trump laughable. It has nothing to do with President Trump, he told NBC News.

There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr Epstein. The absurdity of us pulling down a photo, a single photo, because President Trump was in it, is laughable, he added.

Blanche cited a judge in New York who has ordered us to listen to any victim or victims' rights group if they have concerns as a reason behind removing some previously posted files.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims.