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Judge reverses decision, allows public access to Epstein files
A federal judge in New York has authorized the U.S. Department of Justice to disclose grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case, overturning his earlier ruling to keep the documents sealed.
Congress mandates transparency with new legislation
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman cited the recently enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump last month, as the basis for his decision. The law requires the Justice Department to release investigative materials related to Epstein by December 19, including unclassified records, documents, and communications.
While the law permits the withholding of files tied to ongoing criminal investigations or privacy concerns, Judge Berman emphasized that victims' identities must remain protected. He stated their "safety and privacy are paramount" in the ruling issued Wednesday.
Legal shift follows pressure on Trump administration
Judge Berman had previously denied the Justice Department's request in August, expressing concerns over potential threats to victims' safety. His reversal aligns with rulings from two other federal judges this week, including one ordering the unsealing of grand jury records in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted accomplice.
Maxwell, sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in Epstein's abuse, was found guilty in 2021 of recruiting and grooming underage girls-some as young as 14-between 1994 and 2004. Prosecutors argued she facilitated Epstein's crimes by luring victims to his properties.
Florida judge unseals additional Epstein records
On Friday, a federal judge in Florida approved the release of grand jury transcripts from a separate Epstein investigation conducted in 2005 and 2007. The decision marks the third judicial approval of such requests since the transparency law took effect.
The Trump administration faced mounting bipartisan pressure to disclose the files after initially resisting calls for their release. In July, Justice Department officials stated no further materials would be made public, prompting lawmakers to introduce legislation compelling their disclosure.
Trump signs bill after reversing stance
President Trump, who had previously dismissed demands to release the files, signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law in November. The move represented a significant shift in his position, coming after he released thousands of pages of Epstein-related documents-primarily flight logs-earlier this year.
The president, who acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein but claimed they parted ways in the early 2000s, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His administration's reversal followed criticism from both political parties and advocacy groups.
Victims' families hail decision as 'monumental'
The family of Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim who died by suicide earlier this year, called Trump's signing of the bill "nothing short of monumental." The files slated for release this month differ from those previously disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, which included images of Epstein's U.S. Virgin Islands estate, Little St James.
Photographs from 2020 showed multiple bedrooms, a room with masks on the wall, and a phone with speed-dial buttons labeled with names. Other images depicted a dental chair and a chalkboard with the words "truth," "deception," and "power" written on it.
"Multiple survivors have alleged they were trafficked to and abused on the island,"
House Oversight Committee records
Committee Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, stated the materials were released to "ensure public transparency." Republicans, who hold the majority, criticized the selective release of documents and subsequently published an additional batch of files.
