New Law by Massie Prompts Release of Epstein Grand Jury Records

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A legislative push led by Rep. Thomas Massie, to force transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case has resulted in three separate federal judges authorizing the release of long-sealed grand jury materials and related files, marking a major shift in a realm of the justice system that is almost always kept secret.

Representative Thomas Massie recently shared a significant development on the social media platform X, announcing a pivotal legal change brought about by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He explained that “three federal judges, who were previously unable to release grand jury materials, have now ruled that our Act has altered the legal framework.” Massie provided a link to coverage of the latest judicial decision, noting that judges will release the materials, albeit with redactions to safeguard victims’ identities.

Massie further detailed the legal milestones achieved since the Act’s enactment. These judicial orders authorize the Justice Department to unseal transcripts and evidence from critical federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Judge Richard Berman, who oversaw Epstein’s 2019 case in New York, asserted that Congress “clearly” intended for the Epstein Files Transparency Act to require the public disclosure of grand jury and discovery materials. He stressed that the protection of Epstein’s victims’ identities and privacy is “paramount” under this legislation.

In a similar vein, Judge Paul Engelmayer applied the new statute to the Maxwell case, unsealing grand jury records that had been previously protected. Additionally, Judge Cecilia Smith’s order in Florida pertains to investigations conducted between 2005 and 2007, allowing the release of transcripts and files, with necessary redactions for ongoing investigations and sensitive information.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which became law last month, mandates the Justice Department to release unclassified documents related to Epstein and Maxwell by a specified deadline, allowing only minimal redactions. These rulings create an exception to the usual secrecy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e).

Judge Richard Berman
Dec. 10
Southern District of New York
2019 Epstein Case

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 10, 2025

Judges Cite New Law Overriding Secrecy Rules

Judge Berman, who handled Epstein’s 2019 New York case, ruled that Congress “clearly” intended the Epstein Files Transparency Act to mandate public disclosure of grand jury and discovery materials. He emphasized that releases must protect Epstein victims’ identities and privacy as “paramount” under the law.

Judge Engelmayer applied the statute to Maxwell proceedings, unsealing grand jury records previously shielded by protective orders. Judge Smith’s Florida order covers 2005–2007 Epstein investigations, allowing transcripts and files subject to redactions for active probes and sensitive details.

Expansive Releases Set to Follow

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law last month, compels the Justice Department to disclose unclassified Epstein- and Maxwell-related documents by deadline, with limited redactions. The rulings carve out an exception to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e)’s secrecy mandate.

The disclosures will include grand jury transcripts, search warrant returns from Epstein properties, flight logs, financial records, electronic data, and victim interviews amassed over years of probes. Massie and bill supporters plan to monitor DOJ compliance to prevent delays or excessive redactions.youtube