Items from the Epstein files, including a photo containing 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 and said 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. In a social media post, they asked Attorney General Pam Bondi: What else is being covered up?
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a post on X on Sunday that the image of Trump was flagged by the Southern District of New York for potential further action to protect victims.
It added that the image was removed temporarily for further review out of an abundance of caution.
After the review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction, the DOJ said.
That image was restored by early Sunday, available through a link to the website. The other files had not returned to the site as of that evening.
Blanche called the suggestion that the photo was removed due to Trump laughable. It has nothing to do with President Trump, he told NBC News.
There are dozens of photos of President Trump already released to the public seeing him with Mr. Epstein.
He added: So the absurdity of us pulling down a photo, a single photo, because President Trump was in it, is laughable.
Blanche cited a judge in New York who has ordered us to listen to any victim or victims' rights group if they have concerns as a reason behind removing some previously posted files.
There were a number of photographs that were pulled down after being released on Friday, he said.
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and has not been accused of any crimes by Epstein's victims. There is no suggestion that these pictures imply any wrongdoing.
The DOJ already was under fire for not releasing all of the files by the Friday deadline, as mandated by law.
The documents, which include photos, videos, and investigative materials linked to Epstein, were highly anticipated after Congress passed a law mandating their complete release by Friday.
Congressman Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who led the charge to release the files, expressed frustration with the Trump administration's response, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims.
The image included in the removed files shows a credenza desk in Epstein's home with an open drawer filled with other photos, one featuring the president with Epstein, first lady Melania Trump, and Epstein's convicted associate Ghislane Maxwell. Framed photos can also be seen on top of the desk.
Ten of the missing files include images showing the same room - a small massage parlour with clouds painted on the ceiling, and brown patterned wallpaper studded with multiple nudes. Most of the women pictured on the wall have had their faces redacted.
On Saturday, the House Oversight Committee Democrats questioned the files' removal, posting the missing photo of Trump on social media and asking AG Bondi if it was indeed removed.
The files' removal comes amid increasing scrutiny surrounding the US government and the so-called Epstein files, with limited information about Epstein's crimes and heavy redactions in the documents released.
