Federal judge wants more information before ruling on releasing Epstein testimony

Daily Caller News Foundation

A federal judge is seeking more information before he decides on the Trump administration’s request to release Epstein grand jury testimony.

While Judge Richard Berman intends to rule quickly, he indicated in a Tuesday order that the government needs to supply more legal arguments and clarification on what transcripts should be unsealed before he can proceed.

Exemptions to the general rule that grand jury proceedings remain secret were not invoked in the government’s initial motion, Berman wrote, asking the administration to make these arguments in a 25-page memo due July 29.

“In light of grand jury secrecy and victim-related issues and other personal identifying information concerns, the Government is directed to file, on the public record, a redacted version, and to file under seal the memorandum in redacted form,” he wrote.

Berman also requested submissions from a representative of Epstein and from victims stating their positions on disclosure by August 5th.

Judge Paul Engelmayer, who is overseeing Ghislaine Maxwell’s case, also indicated Tuesday he would rule “expeditiously” once he receives more information, including submissions from Maxwell and victims.

The DOJ petitioned to unseal the grand jury transcripts on Friday at the request of President Donald Trump.

“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now,” Trump wrote July 17 on Truth Social.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said separately Tuesday that he intends to meet with Maxwell to discuss her affiliation with Epstein.

A DOJ memo released to Axios July 6 stated Epstein had no client list and died by suicide, prompting immediate backlash.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

ADVERTISEMENT
All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!

Success! Thank you for donating. Please share BPR content to help combat the lies.

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

BPR INSIDER COMMENTS

Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!

Latest Articles