Two victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein ripped the Trump administration and Department of Justice (DOJ) for seeking to unseal grand jury testimony from the disgraced financier’s criminal case—saying in court filings that officials have ignored the voices of those harmed by Epstein, who in 2019 died in jail while awaiting trial.
Newsweek reached out to the DOJ via online form Monday for comment.
Why It Matters
The FBI redacted President Donald Trump’s name, along with those of other prominent public figures, from references in the Epstein files, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg’s Jason Leopold last week.
The reported decision to redact Trump’s name and those of other public figures from Epstein’s files could have significant implications for government transparency and public trust.
Epstein’s case, involving allegations of sex-trafficking and abuse of minors, has remained a lightning rod for controversy and conspiracy since his death by suicide. Victims and lawmakers contend that managing which names are released sends conflicting messages on accountability and justice.
What To Know
Two anonymous victims filed separate letters asking the DOJ to review any Epstein-related documents to ensure victims’ privacy before releasing them.
One letter to the Southern District of New York said, according to Bloomberg, “To learn that our own president has utilized thousands of agents to protect his identity and these high-profile individuals is monumentally mind-blowing,” the victim wrote. “That is their focus? Wow!”
“I am not some pawn in your political warfare,” said another victim in a letter, Bloomberg reports. “What you have done and continue to do is eating at me day after day as you help to perpetuate this story indefinitely. Why not be completely transparent? Show us all the files with only the necessary redactions! Be done with it and allow me/us to heal. You protect yourself and your powerful and wealthy ‘friends’ (not enemies) over the victims, why?”
When Did Jeffrey Epstein Die?
Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide by New York City’s medical examiner and reconfirmed in a joint memo by the DOJ and FBI.
More
What People Are Saying
Massachusetts Democrat Representative Jim McGovern posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: “Bondi in 2024: There’s no legal basis for people to redact their name unless they’re ‘a child, a victim, or a cooperating defendant.’ Bondi’s FBI in 2025: Redacts Trump’s name from the Epstein Files. Care to explain, @PamBondi?”
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, on X in July: “If the executive branch won’t release phase 2 of the Epstein files, we will. Americans deserve transparency and the victims deserve justice.”
Trump, on Truth Social last month: “The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history. They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM.”
Trump continued: “As things are revealed and, I hope will take place quickly, you will see that it is yet another Democrat CON JOB. Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX. Everyone should see what is there, but people who are innocent should not be hurt. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
What Happens Next
As pressure continues mounting from both the public and within Trump’s base, the administration may decide whether to revise its approach to redacting the Epstein files.
The issues of transparency and victim privacy in the Epstein case will likely remain a political flashpoint as the November 2026 midterms approach, with a push for heightened public scrutiny.
Update 8/4/25, 6:17 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
