Federal Judge Denies Trump DOJ Request To Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Files

A federal judge, Richard Berman, rejected the Trump administration's request to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein, calling the motion a 'diversion' from the larger body of Epstein files held by the government. Judge Berman noted that the grand jury testimony offered only hearsay snippets and would not reveal any new or consequential information about Epstein's crimes or death. The judge emphasized that the Department of Justice is the appropriate party to make comprehensive disclosures and highlighted concerns regarding victims' privacy and safety. This ruling follows similar denials in related cases, including those involving Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted accomplice. Meanwhile, the DOJ has agreed to provide some Epstein-related records to the House Oversight Committee, with the first batch expected soon, as part of transparency efforts led by President Trump’s administration. The decision to keep the grand jury materials sealed comes amid ongoing political and public pressure for more disclosure, with advocates and some lawmakers calling for greater transparency.