Washington, December 22, 2025. Social media and media houses are buzzing after a photo of former U.S. President Donald Trump resurfaced in documents and files related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal. This photo has emerged at a time when new information and documents related to the Epstein case are being made public, and political and legal debates are intensifying in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has re-released a photo of President Donald Trump included in documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The photo also includes Melania Trump. The Department stated that this photo does not depict any victim of the Epstein case.

Government attorneys in New York had previously objected to this photo, as it could have risked revealing the identities of victims. Therefore, as a precaution, this photo along with a total of 16 files were removed from the website yesterday. After investigation, no such risk was found, so the photo was re-released without any changes.

Earlier, CNN reported that several files related to Epstein had been removed from the website. This photo of Trump was among them. Some other files contained objectionable pictures and notes.

Debate has begun in American media and political circles regarding this photo. Trump supporters say it is being spread in a misleading manner and that the context of the photo is being distorted. Meanwhile, opposition parties see it as an opportunity to question Trump’s character and political decisions.

This incident has once again highlighted the seriousness of the Epstein case. Epstein’s death in 2019 and the circumstances surrounding it had already complicated the matter. Now, with the disclosure of files and photos, the case has once again become a focal point for the public and media.

Opposition Says – Government Trying to Protect Trump

After the photo’s removal, Democratic leaders alleged that the government is trying to protect Trump. However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche clarified that this has nothing to do with Trump. He explained that groups concerned with victims’ rights had requested the photo’s removal to allow for a proper investigation.

The Department of Justice has stated that it maintains full transparency and only removes information that is legally necessary. The Department must conceal the identities of victims, minors, and sensitive information. The DOJ also made clear that no information will be removed to protect any prominent or political individual.

Experts believe it is not yet clear whether the public release of Trump’s photo will impact legal proceedings, but its political effects will certainly be observed. The public and media are watching closely to see what further facts emerge in this controversy.

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal law and administering justice in the United States. It was established by Congress in 1870 during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant to handle the legal business of the federal government and to combat post-Civil War issues like organized crime and civil rights violations. Headed by the Attorney General, it oversees agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and the federal prison system.

Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein is not a place or cultural site, but a deceased American financier and convicted sex offender. His properties, such as his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands (Little St. James), gained notoriety as alleged locations for his crimes. The island has since become a symbol in investigations into sex trafficking and abuse, rather than a site of positive cultural or historical significance.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is a former U.S. president and businessman, not a physical place or cultural site. His public history is defined by his real estate and media career before serving as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. His presidency and persona remain highly influential and polarizing in contemporary American culture and politics.

Melania Trump

Melania Trump is a former First Lady of the United States (2017-2021), not a place or cultural site. Born in Slovenia, she was a former model before her marriage to Donald Trump. Her initiatives as First Lady included the “Be Best” campaign, which focused on child well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.

Department of Justice

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is a federal executive department established in 1870 to enforce federal law and administer justice. It is headed by the Attorney General, a position created much earlier in 1789, and oversees agencies like the FBI, DEA, and federal prosecutors. Its history involves enforcing civil rights laws, prosecuting federal crimes, and representing the U.S. government in legal matters.

Epstein case

The “Epstein case” refers to the criminal investigations and prosecutions surrounding financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and later charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors. It is not a physical place or cultural site, but a major legal and societal scandal that exposed a network of abuse involving powerful associates and raised profound questions about justice and privilege. The case remains a focal point for discussions on accountability, victim advocacy, and the failures of legal and political systems.

New York

New York City, originally founded as New Amsterdam by Dutch colonists in 1624, grew into a major colonial port before becoming the first capital of the United States. Today, it is a global metropolis renowned for iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, serving as a leading center for finance, culture, and commerce. Its diverse neighborhoods and history as a gateway for millions of immigrants are central to its identity.

CNN

CNN (Cable News Network) is a major American cable news channel founded in 1980 by media mogul Ted Turner, making it the first television network to provide 24-hour news coverage. It revolutionized broadcast journalism by delivering real-time, global news and became internationally famous for its live reporting during historic events like the Gulf War in 1991. Today, it remains a prominent global news source with a vast network of international bureaus.