Court rules Epstein grand jury transcripts will remain sealed
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The federal court’s decision marks a setback for media groups seeking transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case, keeping key testimony out of public view.
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Former Attorney General Bill Barr departs in the distance with reporters in pursuit after appearing for a House Oversight Committee deposition about Jeffrey Epstein, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, August 18, 2025. (AP)
The US District Court for the Southern District of New York has denied the Trump administration’s request to release grand jury transcripts and exhibits related to Jeffrey Epstein.
This marks the second time a federal judge has rejected efforts to make additional information about the disgraced financier, accused of sex trafficking, public.
Judge Richard Berman wrote that the government had not demonstrated “any special circumstances” warranting the unsealing. He stressed the importance of maintaining secrecy in the case, particularly to protect the privacy and safety of victims.
DOJ to begin sharing Epstein files with Congress amid renewed scrutiny
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin providing Congress with documents related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, starting Friday. The decision follows mounting pressure from lawmakers and a formal subpoena demanding access to all relevant records.
House Oversight Chair James Comer announced that the DOJ informed him it would start handing over the Epstein files by August 19, though the department indicated it would require more time to deliver all requested materials.
Comer noted in a statement Monday, "I appreciate the Trump administration's commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter."
Read more: Epstein scandal expands with release of letters from public figures
The original subpoena, issued earlier this month, demanded that the DOJ turn over all records related to its probe into the disgraced financier. The move comes as part of a broader congressional investigation seeking to uncover additional details that remain undisclosed.
Trump administration faces pressure from both parties
Despite previous efforts by US President Donald Trump to downplay the matter, bipartisan calls for transparency have grown. The House Oversight Committee has also subpoenaed former senior government officials, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and former FBI Director James Comey.
Former Attorney General William Barr appeared before the committee in a closed-door deposition on Monday. Additional testimonies are expected to follow as the investigation continues.
The congressional panel's actions reflect ongoing dissatisfaction among lawmakers and the public with how the Epstein case has been handled. Tensions escalated last month when the DOJ concluded there was no "client list" and reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide, sparking backlash from members of the GOP’s MAGA base.
Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the importance of full disclosure, stating that "there's no fear" within the Republican conference surrounding the issue.
Read more: FBI was repeatedly warned about Trump’s Epstein ties, says accuser
Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna have joined efforts to introduce a House vote aimed at declassifying the Epstein files. The vote is expected to take place when the House reconvenes in September.
As calls for transparency continue, the DOJ's release of the Epstein files marks a significant development in a case that remains a focal point of public and political interest.
