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DOJ Restores Trump Photo in Epstein Files as Democrats Move to Sue Over Redactions

Democrats are pursuing legal action, arguing the rollout defies the disclosure law.

Overview

  • The Justice Department posted 3,965 Epstein-related files in a phased release, with numerous pages heavily redacted, including a fully blacked out “Grand JuryNY” document.
  • After publishing, at least 13–16 images were removed for review; the DOJ later reinstated a photo that included President Trump after determining no victims appeared in it.
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump had nothing to do with the removals and that edits and phased publication are intended to protect victim identities.
  • Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a resolution to authorize legal action over incomplete disclosure, as House Democrats demanded written explanations and lawmakers including Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna discussed contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi.
  • Files obtained before subsequent takedowns indicated Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times in the 1990s, according to the Washington Post, which also reported FBI leads and a 2021 subpoena to Mar-a-Lago connected to the Maxwell case.