Trump Urges Bondi to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Testimony/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval for releasing grand jury testimony tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The announcement follows public outcry over Trump’s past ties to Epstein and a controversial birthday letter reported by The Wall Street Journal. Trump labeled the Epstein case a “Democrat scam” and vowed legal action over claims in the press.
Trump Seeks Epstein Testimony Release Quick Looks
- Trump’s Statement: Called on Bondi to unseal grand jury testimony
- Bondi’s Response: Pledged immediate court action to release materials
- Trigger: Wall Street Journal report on explicit 2003 Epstein birthday letter
- Trump’s Reaction: Denies authorship, calls the letter “fake,” vows lawsuit
- Justice Department Memo: Denied existence of a “client list” or foul play in Epstein’s death
- Security Footage Released: 10 hours of jail video shows no one entered Epstein’s cell
- Trump’s Support Base: MAGA community outraged over perceived lack of transparency
- Congressional Pressure: GOP leaders urge fuller disclosure of Epstein files
- Political Fallout: Trump attacks both Democrats and “foolish Republicans” over issue
- Attorney General Bondi’s Role: Under pressure from both Trump and his critics
Trump Urges Bondi to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Testimony
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic reversal fueled by public and political pressure, President Donald Trump late Thursday called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval to release “any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony” related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.
The statement, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, framed the Epstein investigation as a “scam perpetuated by the Democrats” and insisted the controversy “should end, right now.”
“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump wrote, “I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.”
Bondi promptly reposted Trump’s comments to X (formerly Twitter), confirming that she and her team were prepared to petition the court as early as Friday to begin the unsealing process.
The Letter That Sparked It All
Trump’s announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny after The Wall Street Journal reported on a 2003 birthday letter to Epstein, allegedly bearing Trump’s name and a crude illustration of a woman’s body, ending with the line:
“Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
While the WSJ described the letter and confirmed its existence in Epstein’s archived materials, it did not publish a full photo, which allowed Trump to cast doubt.
“These are not my words,” Trump posted in response, “not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures.” He further announced his intention to sue the Journal and Rupert Murdoch, adding that White House officials had warned them not to publish the story.
DOJ Memo Sparks Outrage
Just last week, the Justice Department released a long-awaited internal memo concluding there was no Epstein “client list” and no evidence of foul play in his 2019 jailhouse death. The 10-hour jail security footage showed no unauthorized entry into his cell, reinforcing the official suicide narrative.
“There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals,” the memo read.
The findings, however, infuriated Trump’s base, many of whom believed his administration would fully declassify Epstein records. Instead, they were left frustrated and suspicious, triggering backlash directed primarily at Pam Bondi.
Bondi Faces Growing Scrutiny
Bondi had previously handed out promotional binders labeled “Epstein Files: Phase 1” and promised transparency. Her abrupt reversal drew sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers and pro-Trump influencers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) publicly expressed disappointment over the stalled document release, prompting Trump to offer Bondi renewed authority to pursue additional disclosures.
Still, Bondi’s credibility has been dented, especially after downplaying claims of a “client list”, only for the DOJ to confirm its absence in official findings. Her relationship with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has also become a subject of intrigue following reports of a heated internal exchange over the files.
A Divided GOP
While some Republicans applauded Trump’s move to seek transparency, others remain skeptical about its timing and execution. Critics inside the party accuse the White House of managing the story for damage control after the WSJ report.
Trump, meanwhile, turned on some of his own supporters, calling those demanding more action on Epstein “stupid and foolish Republicans,” while continuing to blame Democrats for politicizing the issue.
“This is a hoax designed to target me,” Trump declared.
Political Impact
The Epstein controversy continues to dog Trump as he seeks to maintain unity within a fractured GOP and prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. The issue has already delayed legislative priorities — including the House vote on a $9.4 billion spending rollback — as Democrats used procedural tactics to tie Epstein-related disclosures to unrelated bills.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday that Trump would not recommend appointing a special counsel, effectively closing the door on further formal investigation from the administration.
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