In brief
The US Department of Justice has reinstated a photograph of Donald Trump that was briefly removed from its website in connection to the Epstein files. The deputy attorney general clarified that the removal was not influenced by political factors but was taken to address concerns raised by victims. Following further review, it was determined that the image did not depict any Epstein victims, leading to its reinstatement amidst ongoing scrutiny of the DOJ's handling of the Epstein case.
Items from the Epstein files, including a photo containing 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) stated that the image of Trump was flagged by the Southern District of New York for potential further action to protect victims and removed temporarily for further review out of caution.
After the review, it was determined that there is no evidence of any Epstein victims depicted in the photograph, leading to its reposting without alteration.
Blanche referred to the notion that the photo was removed due to Trump as laughable and noted that there are many public photos of Trump with Epstein.
Trump has continuously denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims.
The files' removal comes at a time of increased suspicion surrounding the US government and the so-called Epstein files. Many of the documents released were heavily redacted, and the DOJ faced backlash for not complying completely with the release deadline mandated by Congress.
