The Justice Department has requested a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein's case. This move comes amid significant controversy surrounding the Trump administration's management of records associated with the wealthy financier.

On Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed motions urging the court to release the Epstein transcripts, as well as those from the case against Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of facilitating Epstein's abuse of underage girls. This request follows President Donald Trump's directive to the Justice Department to take action.

The administration has faced backlash since it announced last week that it would not release any additional evidence from Epstein's investigation. This decision has drawn criticism, particularly from segments of Trump's base, who were led to expect more transparency.

Trump's call for the release of the grand jury transcripts was prompted by a report from a major newspaper detailing a sexually suggestive letter allegedly written by him. The letter, which was included in a 2003 album for Epstein's 50th birthday, reportedly features a hand-drawn image and ends with a birthday wish that suggests secrecy. Trump has denied authorship of the letter, labeling it as "false, malicious, and defamatory," and has indicated plans to pursue legal action against the publication.

In the court filings, the Justice Department stated it would collaborate with New York prosecutors to ensure that any victim-related information and personally identifiable details are appropriately redacted before the transcripts are made public. Blanche emphasized that while transparency is important, it must not compromise the legal obligation to protect victims.

Despite the push to release the grand jury transcripts, the administration has not indicated plans to reverse its decision regarding the release of other evidence in its possession. Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously promoted the idea of releasing more materials, but the initial disclosure of Epstein files in February failed to provide new insights, leading to public frustration.

The release of grand jury transcripts is uncommon and typically requires judicial approval. The process may involve extensive legal discussions to determine what information can be disclosed while safeguarding sensitive witness and victim details. The transcripts could reveal witness testimonies and evidence presented during the grand jury proceedings, which are conducted to decide whether sufficient evidence exists to bring formal charges.