Trump administration denies cover-up over redacted Epstein files

US Justice Department officials on Dec 21 denied redacting the Epstein files to protect President Donald Trump as criticism mounted over the partial and heavily censored release of documents.

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Victims of Jeffrey Epstein have expressed anger after a cache of records from cases against the late sex offender were released on Dec 19, with many pages blacked out and photos censored.

Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche on Dec 21 defended the Justice Department and a decision to remove an image of several group photos, including at least one showing Mr Trump.

“There were concerns about those women and the fact that we had put that photo up,” Mr Blanche, a former personal lawyer to the President, told NBC’s Meet the Press. “So we pulled that photo down. It has nothing to do with President Trump.”

When asked if any material was redacted due to political sensitivities - which would be illegal - Mr Blanche replied: “Absolutely, positively not.”

The Justice Department on Dec 21 reposted the photo “without any alteration or redaction” after a review determined “there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted”.

Democratic lawmakers on Dec 21 accused Mr Trump himself of defying a law ordering the release of all files on Epstein, who amassed a fortune and circulated among rich and famous people.