UPDATE: A photo of Donald Trump with women in bikinis has vanished from recently released Epstein files, sparking outrage as nearly 700 images are blacked out. This controversial move comes after the US Justice Department released a trove of documents on December 22, 2025, only to retract significant portions amid accusations of a cover-up.
Officials released 300,000 pages from the Epstein files last Friday, but the removal of specific images, including the one showing Trump, has raised serious questions about transparency. The redactions have led many to believe that the public is not receiving a complete account of Epstein’s connections. The files contained numerous photographs, some reportedly taken by Epstein himself, during his notorious parties.
In a statement, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the decision to remove the Trump photo. He cited concerns regarding the women’s identities, insisting there is no indication they were victims of Epstein. However, many critics argue that this decision fuels speculation of a hidden agenda.
“We learned after releasing that photograph that there were concerns about those women… so we pulled [it] down. It has nothing to do with President Trump,” Blanche stated.
One notable image that was removed alongside Trump’s photo depicted him with his wife Melania Trump, Epstein, and associate Ghislaine Maxwell, taken in February 2000 at Mar-a-Lago. Following public backlash, the Justice Department announced it would re-evaluate the decision to keep this photo private.
Trump has faced scrutiny over his past associations with Epstein, but he has consistently denied involvement in any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the fallout from the redactions has intensified, with many calling it a “slap in the face” to Epstein’s survivors. Marina Lacerda, an Epstein survivor, expressed her anger, stating, “There is nothing there that is transparent.”
The files also included shocking images of Bill Clinton and various celebrities, but Trump’s appearances were notably scarce. Critics, including members of Congress, have demanded complete transparency amid ongoing investigations. Senator Dick Durbin announced plans to investigate the excessive redaction practices, stating, “The Trump administration is violating federal law to protect the rich and powerful.”
Adding to the intrigue, the Justice Department’s release featured a bizarre find: a framed front page of The Times from June 1994, showcasing Princess Diana in her iconic “revenge dress.” This front page, discovered in Epstein’s possessions, raises further questions about his connections to high-profile individuals.
The Justice Department has committed to continuing the review of documents and photos, pledging compliance with federal law while ensuring the protection of victims’ identities. “Documents and photos will continue to be reviewed consistent with the law and with an abundance of caution for victims and their families,” the department stated.
While the removal of the Trump photo raises alarms, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for transparency in the Epstein case. As investigations continue, all eyes remain on the Justice Department and what they will reveal next.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The implications of these revelations could be significant for all involved.
