DOJ moves to unseal Epstein, Maxwell grand jury transcripts, citing intense public interest and calls for transparency.

Justice Department Pursues Transparency in Epstein, Maxwell Cases

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally asked a Manhattan federal court to unseal long-secret grand jury transcripts from the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking investigations. The motion, filed Friday at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, comes amid renewed public scrutiny and demands for greater transparency in one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent American history.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche submitted the motion urging the court to release grand jury records from Epstein’s 2019 indictment as well as the prosecution of his convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The request marks a significant step in the department’s ongoing efforts to provide public accountability and clarity regarding the outcomes and procedures of the controversial investigations.

Transparency Push Follows DOJ Internal Review

Earlier this month, the DOJ and FBI released a memorandum summarizing an exhaustive internal review of the Epstein case files. That review concluded there was no evidence to justify further charges against uncharged third parties. Despite this, officials noted a continued and intense public interest in the matter, with widespread calls for more information about the DOJ’s investigative process and findings.

The DOJ emphasized in its court filing that "transparency to the American public is of the utmost importance to this Administration." The department assured the court it would redact all victim names and personally identifying information prior to any release, stating, "Transparency in this process will not be at the expense of our obligation under the law to protect victims."

Jeffrey Epstein was indicted by a New York grand jury on July 2, 2019, on sex trafficking charges. He died in federal custody a little over a month later, resulting in the dismissal of the case. Ghislaine Maxwell was later indicted on related charges, convicted in December 2021, and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Her conviction was upheld in 2024, though she is currently petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court for review.

The DOJ’s motion acknowledges that grand jury proceedings are generally secret by law but points to longstanding judicial recognition that "special circumstances"—such as cases of significant public or historical interest—can warrant exceptions. The department argues that the Epstein and Maxwell cases clearly meet this standard, citing their unparalleled notoriety and national significance.

Notably, a Florida judge last year ordered the release of some Epstein grand jury records, describing him as "the most infamous pedophile in American history" and calling the case a "tale of national disgrace." The DOJ asserts that releasing the sealed grand jury transcripts is both legally justified and critical for public accountability, especially given Epstein’s death and the widespread public attention.

If the court grants the DOJ’s request, the unsealing of these records could offer unprecedented insight into one of the nation’s most consequential criminal investigations, lifting much of the secrecy that has fueled public speculation for years. The Justice Department says the time for the public to guess what is contained in the transcripts should end, and is asking the court to lift all protective orders as part of this historic move toward greater transparency.