Items from the Epstein files, including a photo featuring Donald Trump, were removed by the justice department from its website because of concerns raised by victims, the deputy attorney general said on Sunday.
The image featuring Trump was later reinstated after review, said Todd Blanche, deputy attorney general.
Mr. Blanche rejected criticisms that the removal was related to the US president, stating the photo that included him also showed unredacted images of women.
At least 13 files, from thousands released on Friday related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, had disappeared from the website without explanation by Saturday.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee questioned the images' removal, expressing concerns about transparency. A social media post from the committee directed a question to Attorney General Pam Bondi stating, What else is being covered up?.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified the image of Trump was flagged by the Southern District of New York for potential further action to protect victims.
On Sunday, the DOJ announced the photo had been removed temporarily for further review out of an abundance of caution. After a thorough review, it was determined there was no evidence that any Epstein victims were depicted in the photograph, leading to its reposting without any alteration.
The image was restored early Sunday and made available through a link to the website; however, the other files had not returned to the site as of that evening.
Blanche labeled the suggestion that the photo was removed due to Trump as laughable, explaining that it had nothing to do with the president. He noted that many images of Trump with Epstein had already been made public.
Blanche mentioned a judge in New York had mandated the department to heed any concerns voiced by victims or victim rights groups, prompting the removal of some files.
Trump consistently denies wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims. The photos released do not imply any wrongdoing on his part.
According to reports, the removed files contained an image showing a credenza desk in Epstein's home with an open drawer filled with other photos, including one with Trump, the first lady Melania Trump, and Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
The image's reinstatement comes amid scrutiny of the DOJ, which faced backlash for not releasing all files by a mandated deadline. Congressman Thomas Massie criticized the administration's compliance, expressing a determination to ensure justice for the victims.
The files' removal and subsequent reinstatement has fueled speculation regarding the government's transparency regarding the Epstein case.
