A U.S. federal judge has ruled that grand jury documents related to the Ghislaine Maxwell sex-trafficking case can be unsealed, allowing the public to access previously secret records. The decision follows the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law designed to increase accountability and disclosure of materials tied to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.

Judge Engelmayer’s Ruling

District Judge Paul Engelmayer approved the Department of Justice’s request to release the documents on December 9, 2025. However, he cautioned that the grand jury materials contain little new information. “They do not discuss or identify any client of Epstein’s or Maxwell’s,” Engelmayer wrote, emphasizing that the files do not reveal unknown methods or details of the crimes.

Grand jury materials typically include court transcripts and witness testimonies but do not represent the entirety of investigative files. They are usually sealed to protect witnesses and ensure fair proceedings, as grand juries determine whether cases should move to trial.

Legal Context: Epstein Files Transparency Act

In November 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, creating an exemption that allows the release of Epstein-related grand jury materials. The law was signed by former President Donald Trump, who initially opposed it but later supported transparency measures.

Judge Engelmayer mandated that U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton review all materials prior to release to ensure the privacy and safety of victims. This safeguards survivors while allowing public access to historical case information.

Background on the Case

Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate and girlfriend, is serving a 20-year sentence for her involvement in Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. Epstein himself died by suicide in 2019, leaving many questions about his associates and alleged “client list” unresolved.

Legal experts have noted that unsealing grand jury materials will provide historical context but is unlikely to reveal the full extent of investigations into Epstein’s network. Survivors, however, argue that transparency is crucial. Annie Farmer, one of Epstein’s accusers, stated through her lawyer that continued secrecy could hinder understanding of the full scope of crimes and accountability.

Public and Political Reaction

The case continues to fuel public skepticism about elite impunity. A November 2025 Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 20% of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of Epstein-related matters, while 70% believed the government was withholding critical information about Epstein’s alleged connections to influential figures.

Judge Engelmayer’s ruling follows a similar decision in Florida last week, marking a growing effort to release previously sealed materials in Epstein-related cases. While Maxwell’s legal team raised concerns that the unsealing could prejudice her case, the court balanced these concerns with the public interest in transparency.

The release of these grand jury documents represents a significant step in making public the inner workings of Epstein’s criminal enterprise and the network surrounding him, while protecting the rights of survivors and ongoing legal proceedings.