FOLLOW US

In a dramatic turn in the Jeffrey Epstein saga, the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday secured yet another green light from a Manhattan federal judge to unseal grand jury records and a trove of evidentiary files tied to the late financier’s criminal investigation. The decision marks a major step in a transparency push Congress has now mandated — one that cuts through long-standing secrecy rules like a hot knife through ice.

Judge Says New Transparency Law Leaves ‘No Doubt’

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman ruled that the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) “unequivocally” requires the DOJ to release grand jury transcripts and exhibits linked to Epstein’s indictment. The law sets a 30-day deadline once the DOJ completes production — meaning the materials must be public no later than Dec. 19, 2025.

“The plain language of the Epstein Files Transparency Act unequivocally intends to make public Epstein grand jury materials,” Judge Berman wrote, stressing that Congress’s directive “compels” disclosure.

But the law also imposes a crucial safeguard: the DOJ must protect victims’ privacy by redacting personally identifiable information and highly sensitive records.

Wave of Unsealing Orders Across Multiple Federal Courts

Judge Berman’s ruling followed a similar one a day earlier by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who oversees the criminal proceedings against Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Both judges agreed that Congress clearly intended to make the evidence public.

The move also echoes a Dec. 5 order by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith in the Southern District of Florida, who concluded that the new statute overrides Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6, which normally bars disclosure of grand jury materials.

A Reversal From Earlier Denials

Judge Berman previously rejected the DOJ’s request to unseal transcripts, ruling that the government had failed to show sufficient cause and had not warned victims before filing. But that changed when the DOJ submitted a fresh motion on Nov. 24, just after Congress “nearly unanimously passed” the transparency measure.

The department argued that the law explicitly references the Epstein investigation and leaves “no question” Congress was aware that the probe included grand jury work.

The statute, the DOJ said, demonstrates Congress’s intent to override traditional secrecy protections and mandate public access.

Judge Berman agreed, writing that the requirement to disclose “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” is “crystal clear” and must be read in its ordinary, common-sense meaning.

Victims’ Privacy Still Center Stage

Attorneys for Epstein’s victims voiced fears that transparency could expose sensitive details. In a letter to the court, Edwards Henderson PLLC warned that openness must not come at the “expense of the privacy, safety, and protection” of survivors.

Judge Berman echoed that view, emphasizing that victims’ safety remains paramount under the statute.

“Clearly victims’ safety and privacy are paramount,” he wrote, reaffirming that redactions will be required.

Representation

The federal government is represented by Pamela J. Bondi and Todd Blanche of the U.S. Department of Justice.