On December 10, Judge Richard M. Berman of the Manhattan Federal Court approved the unsealing of documents from the criminal investigation and prosecution of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A day earlier, another federal judge also allowed the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to release grand jury transcripts and related materials from the sex-trafficking case involving Epstein’s longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
The legal basis for these decisions is a law signed by President Donald Trump in November, requiring the DOJ to make all Epstein-related documents public. Under the law, all non-classified records concerning Epstein and Maxwell must be posted online in a searchable, downloadable format within 30 days of signing—meaning before December 19, 2025.
According to the Associated Press, although thousands of pages from Florida and other jurisdictions may contain previously unseen information, a large portion of the material has already been made public through Congress and civil litigation.
👉 Get your “USA ’Merica Cat 4th of July” funny patriotic shirt today and show off your American spirit in the cutest way possible!
Importantly, the AP emphasized that the public should not expect a “client list” of famous individuals allegedly involved with Epstein. Despite long-standing rumors, the DOJ confirmed in July that no such list exists.
What documents will be released?
The law requires the DOJ to publish FBI and DOJ investigative files on Epstein and Maxwell. These include evidence seized during 2019 searches, witness testimonies, electronic devices, and data collected throughout the investigations.
The law also mandates the release of all documents related to investigative, prosecutorial, and detention activities, including emails, internal memos, meeting minutes, and communications regarding decisions to prosecute or decline prosecution of Epstein and his associates. Any immunity deals, non-prosecution agreements, plea bargains, or civil settlement records must also be disclosed.
Additionally, the DOJ must release documents related to Epstein’s death in federal custody in 2019.
What cannot be released?
Any information that could identify victims cannot be disclosed.
The law allows certain documents to be withheld if their release would cause a “serious invasion of privacy.” It also prohibits releasing any photos or materials depicting child sexual abuse, death, violence, or physical injury.
However, the law explicitly forbids withholding documents merely to avoid embarrassment or reputational harm to public figures, government officials, or foreign leaders.
What about Epstein’s so-called “client list”?
The rumored “client list”—said to contain names of powerful individuals connected to Epstein—has long fueled public speculation.
Even US Attorney General Pam Bondi once claimed on Fox News in February that she had the list “on her desk.” However, the DOJ later concluded that no such list exists and that there is no credible evidence Epstein blackmailed high-profile individuals.
When will the public be able to see the files?
Under the law, the DOJ has 30 days from the date President Trump signed the act to publish the Epstein files. However, some materials may still be withheld.
The DOJ may temporarily delay releasing documents if doing so would interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution. The law does not specify how long this “temporary” delay may last. Information may also be withheld for national security or foreign policy reasons under presidential authority.
In July, the FBI and DOJ said they had “conducted a comprehensive review” and did not plan further prosecutions. However, in November, President Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to open an investigation into several Democratic figures—such as former President Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and donor Reid Hoffman—after their names appeared in emails that Epstein’s estate provided to Congress. This move may give the government grounds to temporarily retain some documents while the declassification process unfolds.