The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has temporarily removed several images from the recently released Jeffrey Epstein case files, triggering political scrutiny and raising questions about transparency. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Sunday that at least 13 files had been taken down from the official DOJ website, including one photograph featuring former President Donald Trump.
The removal decision followed concerns raised by victims’ rights groups regarding unredacted images of women appearing alongside public figures. Blanche emphasized that the temporary withdrawal was strictly related to victim protection protocols rather than political considerations. ‘The suggestion that the photo was removed due to President Trump is laughable,’ Blanche told NBC News. ‘There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public with Mr. Epstein.’
Among the removed materials was an image showing Epstein’s credenza desk with an open drawer containing multiple photographs, including one depicting Trump, Epstein, First Lady Melania Trump, and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Other removed files displayed images of a massage parlor with nude artwork and photographs on the walls, where some women’s faces remained visible despite redaction attempts.
The DOJ stated on social media platform X that the Trump-inclusive image was flagged by the Southern District of New York ‘for potential further action to protect victims’ and was removed ‘out of an abundance of caution.’ After review, the department determined no Epstein victims were depicted and restored the image without alterations by Sunday morning.
The document release itself has faced criticism for missing Friday’s legal deadline and containing heavy redactions. Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), who led the push for disclosure, expressed frustration with the administration’s response and announced plans to draft inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi. Meanwhile, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the removals publicly, posting on social media: ‘What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.’
The newly released files, mandated by congressional action, excluded materials depicting child sexual abuse, physical abuse, active investigation details, and classified documents. Notably absent were internal DOJ memos regarding charging decisions, leaving limited new information about Epstein’s crimes despite the highly anticipated disclosure.