Trump Administration Urges Judges to Release Epstein, Maxwell Grand Jury Transcripts

The Trump administration has urged federal judges to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the sex trafficking cases against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, citing significant public interest and ongoing scrutiny of the Justice Department's handling of the investigations. The Department of Justice initially requested the release of confidential witness testimony but was asked by judges to provide a clearer legal basis for the move. President Trump has publicly criticized Epstein's actions at his Mar-a-Lago club and has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of these transcripts following the DOJ's announcement that no incriminating list of Epstein's clients exists. Epstein died by suicide in jail awaiting trial, while Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence and is appealing her conviction. The administration's previous conflicting statements about the existence of a client list and incomplete prison footage have fueled conspiracy theories and political backlash, including criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The DOJ has notified nearly all victims referenced in the grand jury materials and continues its efforts to provide notice to others identified in the transcripts.