US Justice Department officials denied redacting the Epstein files to protect President Donald Trump as criticism mounted over the partial and heavily censored release of documents.

Democratic lawmakers on Sunday hammered Trump and the Justice Department for a partial release.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has restored a photograph from the recent batch of Jeffrey Epstein files that featured images of American President Donald Trump after backlash over its removal.

US Deputy AG Blanche maintains heavy redacting of files meant to 'protect victims'; House Dem: 'It’s all about covering up' things Trump 'doesn’t want to go public'

<p><strong>Epstein Files:</strong> The DOJ had temporarily removed the image for review after the Southern District of New York flagged it to protect victims. In a press release, the Department stated that it is committed to transparency and redacting only what is legally required. </p>

Reps. Massie and Khanna are considering inherent contempt charges against Pam Bondi over DOJ's incomplete Epstein release.

Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said all material featuring President Donald Trump in files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will be released. | Clips

One of 16 documents missing from the release was a chest of drawers with pictures, which includes two photos of Donald Trump. The Department of Justice have since restored the image, saying it was removed "out of an abundance of caution".

More than a dozen photos, including one of Donald Trump, were removed without explanation from the Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Trump administration and US Justice Department deny cover-up allegations amid criticism over heavily-redacted Epstein files release. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.