The U.S. Department of Justice has reinstated a controversial photograph featuring President Donald Trump in its online Jeffrey Epstein files database, only days after the image was quietly removed, triggering accusations of a cover-up. The photo was part of a limited document release from Epstein’s estate and showed framed images found in a drawer once in Epstein’s possession. Among them were one image of Trump posing with a group of women and another depicting Trump and Melania Trump alongside Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at a social gathering.

The sudden disappearance of the photograph, along with at least a dozen others, late Friday sparked immediate backlash on social media and from Democratic lawmakers. Representative Jamie Raskin described the removal as disturbing and tied it to concerns surrounding the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Trump signed earlier this year. The timing and lack of initial explanation fueled speculation that politically sensitive material was being deliberately suppressed.

DOJ officials later stated that the images were taken down temporarily as a precaution. According to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, New York authorities raised concerns during a routine review about possible victim privacy issues. After determining that no privacy violations existed, the department reposted the files unchanged by Sunday. Renewed attention has also focused on the photograph showing Melania Trump with Epstein and Maxwell, reviving discussion about the Trumps’ social connections within Palm Beach’s elite circles during the 1990s. However, the released documents contain no allegations of wrongdoing involving either Donald or Melania Trump. Officials noted that similar non-incriminating photos of Epstein with other high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton, appear in the same collection.

The episode highlights the continued sensitivity surrounding Epstein’s social network and the intense scrutiny applied to every disclosure. While the DOJ has committed to releasing additional materials, it has emphasized that survivor identities will remain protected through redactions. The documents released so far represent only a small portion of court-approved records related to Epstein and Maxwell, and the debate over full transparency remains a contentious and highly politicized issue.

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