Judge Questions Justice Department’s Epstein File Release Efforts

A New York judge has determined that the Trump administration is better positioned than federal courts to disclose materials related to the high-profile sex trafficking case of the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. In a ruling issued on August 11, 2025, US District Judge Richard Berman dismissed the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury records concerning Epstein’s indictment in July 2019.

The materials in question, approximately 70 pages reviewed by the grand jury, were described by Judge Berman as insignificant when compared to the extensive collection of over 100,000 pages that the government currently holds from its investigation into Epstein’s activities. In his ruling, Judge Berman suggested that the Justice Department’s effort to unseal these records seemed to distract from its earlier decision not to release its findings, which has faced criticism from various political factions.

Judge Berman noted that another recent ruling by a different judge had denied similar requests regarding grand jury materials tied to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s long-time associate. He remarked that the current motion appeared to be more about creating the illusion of transparency than providing actual public knowledge.

The Justice Department did not respond immediately to a request for comment regarding Judge Berman’s ruling. This decision adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the actions of the Justice Department, particularly in light of its refusal to disclose more information about the Epstein investigation, a move that has angered many, including supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Trump, who is campaigning for a second term in the 2024 election, has made promises to release Epstein-related files and has accused Democrats of attempting to cover up crucial information. In July 2025, the Justice Department announced that it would not release any further materials from its Epstein investigation, emphasizing that the much-discussed list of Epstein’s clients did not exist. This statement did not sit well with Trump’s supporters, prompting him to instruct Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, to seek court approval for the release of the grand jury materials.

Grand juries, which operate in secrecy to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations, typically hear more evidence than what is ultimately presented in court. In Epstein’s case, the grand jury only heard from a single witness, an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and viewed a PowerPoint presentation along with call logs.

The recent pattern of court decisions reflects a broader reluctance to release grand jury materials related to Epstein and Maxwell. On the same day as Judge Berman’s ruling, Judge Paul Engelmayer denied a similar request from the Justice Department to unseal materials from Maxwell’s case, citing redundancy with public testimonies given during her 2021 trial. Maxwell was convicted of recruiting underage girls for Epstein and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

In his ruling, Judge Engelmayer expressed concerns that the government’s push for unsealing materials was more focused on creating a façade of transparency rather than genuinely informing the public. This ongoing legal struggle reflects the complex nature of the Epstein case, which continues to captivate public interest and fuel speculation about the involvement of powerful individuals in his alleged crimes.

The ramifications of these court decisions extend beyond the legal realm, influencing public opinion and political discourse. As the investigation into Epstein’s activities continues to evolve, the demand for transparency and accountability remains a pressing issue for many stakeholders involved.