Justice Department Restores Image of Trump from Epstein Files After Backlash
However, the image was removed from the DOJ’s website on Friday, sparking controversy and criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
The photo, which contained two separate images showing Trump, had been removed by the DOJ from public view after being published on the department’s website on Friday.
Moreover, the DOJ did not say what it meant by the Southern District of New York, which can refer both to the federal judicial district that includes Manhattan and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in that district.
DOJ’s Explanation for Removing Image
Meanwhile, the DOJ said it removed the image after learning there were concerns about women in the photo, “so we pulled that photo down.”
Consequently, the image was reposted without any alteration or redaction after a review determined there was no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph.
In addition, the DOJ’s Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the image was removed from the website after learning there were concerns about women in the photo.
Controversy Over Epstein Files Release
However, the DOJ’s failure to release all material from the Epstein case by the deadline drew sharp criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
Therefore, several Epstein victims criticized the DOJ for allegedly not keeping them informed about the contents of Friday’s release — a move some survivors said could have put them in danger.
Moreover, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has threatened to hold Justice Department officials accountable for how the files’ release has been handled.
Government Officials Respond to Controversy
However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the image was removed from the website after learning there were concerns about women in the photo.
Meanwhile, Blanche said the disappearance of the image and more than a dozen other files over the weekend came despite a law signed by Trump that required the agency to make public all of the Epstein files by Friday.
Consequently, the DOJ on Friday released just a fraction of documents and images from the Epstein case, even though the new Epstein Files Transparency Act mandated that all Justice Department files related to him and Maxwell be released by that date.
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