Washington, D.C. Federal officials restored a previously removed photograph from the Jeffrey Epstein document release after a Justice Department review determined the image did not depict any victims of sex trafficking, according to statements issued Sunday. The photograph, which briefly disappeared from a public database, shows a collection of framed and unframed images found in Epstein’s desk drawer, including pictures of Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
The Department of Justice said the image was temporarily removed “out of an abundance of caution” after concerns were raised about whether women shown in one of the photos could be Epstein victims. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that prosecutors reviewed the image and found no evidence that any victims were depicted, leading to its reposting without redactions. Blanche emphasized that the removal “had nothing to do with President Trump,” framing the decision as a routine victims’ rights safeguard.
The brief removal triggered sharp political reaction. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee publicly questioned whether the image was being withheld for political reasons and demanded transparency from Attorney General Pam Bondi. At the same time, Republicans have criticized the Justice Department for failing to fully comply with a law requiring the release of all Epstein-related records by a set deadline.
Justice officials say they possess more than 3.6 million records tied to Epstein and related investigations and will continue releasing material on a rolling basis, though some FBI interviews and internal memoranda remain withheld. Lawmakers from both parties continue to warn that incomplete disclosures risk undermining public trust and could expose victims to further harm.
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