Judge rejects Trump administration request to unseal Epstein transcripts

A federal judge in New York denies the government bid to unseal grand jury transcripts linked to the Epstein case, a move that echoes a similar ruling in the Maxwell matter.

Judge rejects Trump administration request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts

A federal judge in Manhattan, Richard Berman, rejected the government bid to unseal grand jury transcripts tied to the Epstein case. The decision mirrors a similar ruling in the Maxwell case, where prosecutors faced the same request. Maxwell is serving a 20 year sentence after conviction on sex trafficking charges for aiding Epstein. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.
Prosecutors argued that public interest and accountability justified disclosure. They noted the cases involve a wide public audience and ongoing questions about victims. The judge did not change the secrecy rules and left the transcripts sealed for now.

The ruling shows how courts balance openness with the need to protect the integrity of investigations. Grand jury secrecy is a long standing shield meant to prevent pressure and prejudice from shaping early cases. The Trump administration’s push to reveal transcripts tests that shield, especially in a case with intense public attention.
This decision also highlights how political sensitivity can rise around legal processes. When a government entity seeks access to sealed materials in cases involving powerful figures, the line between transparency and fair process becomes a live issue. The outcome may influence future requests and shape how prosecutors handle protected records in high profile matters.

Highlights

The courtroom story moves forward with more questions than answers.