Trump photo vanishes from DOJ's Epstein file release

Less than a day after the Justice Department posted its initial release of Epstein files, at least 16 documents vanished from the public website with no explanation or notice. Among them: a photograph showing Donald Trump.

According to multiple outlets, the removed photo showed a desk covered in framed pictures. At least two clearly showed Trump's face — one with him standing surrounded by women in bathing suits, another appearing to be the famous photo of Trump, Melania, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Epstein.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee flagged the disappearance on social media: "This photo, file 468, from the Epstein files that includes Donald Trump has apparently now been removed from the DOJ release."

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC's Kristen Welker that the removal "has nothing to do with President Trump." The DOJ removed the photo, he said, because of the women also pictured. The department later posted on social media that "photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution."

The explanation didn't satisfy critics. The law — the Epstein Files Transparency Act — requires redaction of victim identities and people under investigation. It doesn't authorize removing photos of the president.

Previously:
• DOJ's redacted Epstein drop criticized by both parties