The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked a federal judge to unseal grand jury records related to Jeffrey Epstein. This step followed US President Donald Trump’s direct order to Attorney General Pam Bondi to release “any and all” testimonies connected to the case.
In its court filing, the DOJ said, “The public’s interest in the Epstein matter has remained. Given this longstanding and legitimate interest, the government now moves to unseal grand jury transcripts associated with Epstein.”
Public Pressure Forces Action
The move comes as public anger grows over the Trump administration’s handling of Epstein’s files. Trump’s core supporters, especially his Maga base, have been demanding the release of documents tied to Epstein’s death and his suspected client list.
The DOJ also revealed that it recently reviewed the transcripts. It wanted to check “whether evidence existed that could predicate an investigation into uncharged third parties.”
Trump Reacts to Media Leak
Trump’s push to release the documents came after a controversy involving The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Hours earlier, Trump attacked the WSJ for reporting that he had sent Epstein a personal letter in 2003. He called the letter “fake” and threatened to sue the newspaper.
The WSJ report claimed Trump’s note to Epstein was part of messages collected for Epstein’s 50th birthday. The note allegedly included Trump’s signature and featured a drawing of a naked woman, with a mention of a shared “secret.” However, the WSJ said it reviewed the letter but did not publish its image.
When Will the Files Be Released?
Although the DOJ has started the process to unseal the records, it remains unclear when the files will become public. The judge must first consult victims and any unnamed individuals mentioned in the transcripts. Federal laws protect their identities. This process could take weeks, months, or even longer.
According to CNN, the grand jury transcripts represent only a small portion of the Epstein case files. Thousands of related documents are still under DOJ control.
Trump Sues Murdoch and WSJ
Meanwhile, Trump launched a legal battle against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal. He filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in Miami. He claimed the WSJ’s report about his past links to Epstein harmed his reputation.
Trump, aged 79, promised to sue Murdoch and his newspaper. He said he would sue “the ass off” them after the WSJ published its explosive report. In its story, the WSJ said Trump’s letter to Epstein in 2003 included a naked woman’s sketch and mentioned a private “secret” between them.