Epstein Victims Slam Justice Department’s Request to Unseal Grand Jury Testimony, Call Out Political Warfare and Lack of Respect from Trump Administration
Two unidentified victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse have penned court missives expressing disdain for the Department of Justice’s push to unseal grand jury testimony. They cited a perceived lack of regard towards them, particularly by President Donald Trump and his administration.
In letters submitted on Monday, one victim characterized the handling of the so-called Epstein Files as “political warfare.” Another argued that efforts have primarily focused on shielding affluent men.
“I implore you, United States, to treat the ‘Epstein Files’ with more consideration for its victims rather than using us as pieces in your political chess game,” one of the missives stated.
The second victim asserted that protecting “third-parties” – wealthy men – appears to be a priority for both the Department of Justice and the FBI, as they seem to be concentrating on expunging their names from relevant documents. The victims are aware of these individuals’ identities, the letter added.
Although neither letter directly asks Federal Judge Richard Berman in New York to maintain secrecy over transcripts, both strongly recommend that he takes all necessary measures to conceal victims’ identities. One victim suggested a third-party review of document releases to ensure no information concerning the victims is disclosed. The other urged the judge to prioritize redaction of any information revealing the victims’ identities.
The emotional letters, submitted to the court, reflect clear frustration with the administration’s management of the files. One letter concluded, “I understand your time in reading my sentiments and feelings, and my anxiety and frustration are not aimed at you but at the government itself, the one seeking to disclose these transcripts, exhibits, etc., which the victims have been barred from accessing.” The writer added, “I am at a loss.”
The victims in this case were requested to respond to the government’s request to release grand jury transcripts by August 5.