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Justice Department pulls Epstein documents after victim complaints
U.S. officials removed at least 13 files from a recent Jeffrey Epstein document release, including a photograph featuring former President Donald Trump, citing concerns raised by victims, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Sunday.
Photo of Trump reinstated after review
The image, which showed Trump alongside Epstein, his wife Melania, and Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, was temporarily taken down but restored by early Sunday after a review determined no victims were depicted. The Justice Department stated the removal was precautionary and unrelated to Trump's presence in the photo.
"The suggestion that we pulled this photo because President Trump was in it is laughable," Blanche told NBC News. "There are dozens of photos already public showing him with Epstein."
Victim protection cited as reason for removal
Blanche explained that a New York judge had instructed the DOJ to consider concerns from victims or advocacy groups regarding released materials. The department flagged the Trump photo and other files after their initial release on Friday, pulling them for further examination.
By Sunday evening, only the Trump photo had been reposted. The remaining 12 files, which included images of a massage parlor with nude artwork and photographs, remained offline. Some images showed inconsistent redactions, with faces obscured in one file but visible in others.
Lawmakers demand transparency
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the removals, posting the Trump photo on social media and asking Attorney General Pam Bondi, "What else is being covered up?" The committee emphasized the need for full transparency.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who championed the files' release, criticized the DOJ's handling of the documents. He told CBS News he is preparing inherent contempt charges against Bondi, accusing the department of violating the law's spirit and letter.
"I won't be satisfied until the survivors are satisfied," Massie said.
Limited new revelations in released files
The documents, mandated for release by Congress, contained heavily redacted materials, including photos, videos, and investigative records. The DOJ withheld information to protect victims, ongoing investigations, and national security, but critics argued the redactions obscured key details about Epstein's crimes.
While the files provided some insights, they lacked internal memos on charging decisions or significant new evidence. The release followed years of legal battles and public pressure to disclose Epstein's connections and activities.
