Request to Unseal Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Records Filed by Justice Department

The Justice Department has filed a request to unseal grand jury transcripts in Jeffrey Epstein's case amid controversy over the Trump administration's handling of records related to the wealthy financier. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to release the Epstein transcripts, as well as those in the case against convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

This comes a day after President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to release the grand jury transcripts. The Trump administration has been embroiled in controversy since last week's announcement that it would not be releasing any more evidence in its possession from Epstein's investigation.

"False, malicious, and defamatory."

This quote refers to President Trump's denial of writing a sexually suggestive letter included in a 2003 album for Epstein's 50th birthday. The Wall Street Journal reported on the letter, prompting Trump's response.

The Justice Department has stated that it will work with prosecutors in New York to make appropriate redactions of victim-related information and other personally identifying information before transcripts are released. Grand jury transcripts are rarely released by courts, unless they need to be disclosed in connection with a judicial proceeding.

Even with the Justice Department's endorsement, it could take weeks or months of legal wrangling to decide what can be released and how to protect witnesses and other sensitive victim information.