US Justice Department denies editing Epstein files to protect Trump

• US officials reject claims of political interference as partially redacted Epstein files draw criticism.

US Justice Department officials on Sunday denied accusations that images and documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case were altered to shield President Donald Trump, amid growing criticism over the partial and heavily redacted release of the files.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News, “We will not withhold any information related to President Trump,” rejecting claims of political interference. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal lawyer, was responding to criticism from lawmakers of both parties and Epstein’s victims.

Delayed and Partial Disclosure

After months of delays, the Justice Department on Friday began releasing thousands of photos, videos, and documents related to Epstein, the New York financier convicted of sexual abuse who died in jail in 2019. Epstein was accused of exploiting more than 1,000 young women, including minors, and was known for his ties to prominent political and public figures, including Trump and former Democratic president Bill Clinton.

However, not all materials were released by the legally mandated deadline of midnight Friday under the transparency law. Several documents were heavily redacted, including one New York court-related file that was fully withheld.

Removed Images Spark Backlash

On Saturday, multiple published images were removed from the Justice Department’s website, triggering outrage among Democrats.

One removed image showed scattered photographs on furniture and inside a drawer, including at least one image of Donald Trump. The Justice Department reposted the image on Sunday “without any edits or redactions” after concluding that there was “no evidence any of Epstein’s victims were depicted.”

In a statement, the department denied any intentional withholding of documents, citing court rulings and the need for extensive prior review to protect victims’ identities as factors slowing the release process.

Trump’s Ties and Political Reaction

Trump and Epstein were socially connected in the 1990s, frequently appearing together at events in Palm Beach and New York. Trump has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal behavior and says he severed ties before authorities began investigating Epstein. Since the documents were released, Trump has made no public comment.

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on ABC News that “the victims of this suffering deserve full and complete transparency,” calling for an investigation into potential administrative failures.

Pressure and Conspiracy Theories

Although Trump pledged during his campaign to release the full Epstein file, he later described the matter as a “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats. Under pressure from Congress and his political base, he ultimately signed the transparency law into effect in November.

Several conservative lawmakers have since urged the administration to release the remaining documents. Republican Senator Rand Paul warned on ABC News that “any evidence or perception of incomplete disclosure will haunt the administration for months.” Republican Representative Thomas Massie criticized the failure to release court documents, calling the situation “a slap in the face to the victims.”

The released images feature other figures from politics, business, film, and music, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, and Bill Clinton. Foreign officials were also implicated, notably Britain’s Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, who has denied allegations made by one of Epstein’s victims.

Despite being officially ruled a suicide, Epstein’s death continues to fuel widespread conspiracy theories suggesting he was killed to prevent him from implicating powerful elites.