The U.S. Justice Department removed 16 photos from its recently released Jeffrey Epstein file collection, including one that contained an image of President Trump.
The photo showed a credenza in Epstein’s Manhattan home with an open drawer containing other photos, among them at least one of Trump. The DOJ did not explain the removals on its site, but Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said it was due to concerns raised by potential victims.
Blanche told NBC’s Meet the Press, “It has nothing to do with President Trump. The absurdity of pulling down a single photo because of President Trump is laughable.”
The removed images also included 12 photos of the massage room in Epstein’s mansion, showing paintings and photographs of nude women, some with faces redacted. Other similar images of the room remain online.
The files were released after a new law required disclosure of all Justice Department materials on Epstein, who died in 2019 awaiting trial for trafficking minors. The documents added little new information about Epstein’s conduct or connections to powerful figures.
Blanche emphasized that mentions of Trump would not be redacted, as the department continues releasing the remaining files and grand jury transcripts.