Trump demands release of Epstein grand jury files

US President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to seek court approval and unseal grand jury documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid intensifying pressure from his own supporters and political allies.

The move comes after reports from The Wall Street Journal alleged that a “bawdy” birthday greeting bearing Trump’s name was sent to Epstein in 2003.

The note, reportedly part of a compilation created by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, featured a typewritten message framed by the outline of a naked woman, which Trump has since denounced as “fake.” Trump denied authorship, stating on social media

“These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures.” He has threatened to sue the Journal and its owner Rupert Murdoch, labelling the report as “false, malicious, and defamatory.”

Trump’s move to declassify files reflects mounting public and political demand for transparency. A YouGov poll revealed that 79% of Americans support full release of Epstein-related documents, including 75% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.

However, the Department of Justice and FBI recently concluded that Epstein had no incriminating “client list” implicating high-profile individuals, and that no credible evidence of blackmail was found.

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The pressure isn’t only coming from Democrats or the media. Some of Trump’s core supporters are calling for answers, questioning the credibility of Trump’s original campaign promise to release all Epstein files.

Protest signs at recent events have read “WHERE IS THE LIST???” as Trump tries to reassure supporters that relevant grand jury materials will be made public, pending judicial approval.

Vice-President JD Vance, who previously urged the release of the files, criticized the Journal for running the birthday card story without verifying its authenticity. “Where is this letter?” he asked, asserting that the newspaper never showed the document before publishing its article.

Prominent Republicans such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and House Speaker Mike Johnson have echoed calls for transparency but have also defended Trump’s stance.

Pam Bondi, Trump’s Attorney General, confirmed the administration is prepared to approach the court for permission to unseal grand jury documents. However, legal experts caution that the process will take time.

Former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner told CBS News that such requests are rare and likely to involve an “enormous quantity of data,” with potential objections from involved parties.

While Trump continues to cast doubt on any material linking him to Epstein, critics say his fluctuating comments — from calling for file releases to downplaying their importance — risk undermining his image as a truth-teller. Still, many allies remain loyal, believing that the files, if released, will vindicate Trump.

Whether the court will authorize a release remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Epstein controversy remains a potent and polarizing force in American politics — and could impact Trump’s standing both within the GOP and among undecided voters ahead of future elections.

BBC