18/07/2025
Trump Orders Release of Epstein Grand Jury Testimony Amid WSJ Lawsuit Threat
Washington, D.C. — In a stunning late-night announcement on Thursday, former President Donald J. Trump declared that he has instructed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release grand jury testimony related to the long-running Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The directive came just hours after Trump threatened to take legal action against the Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, over what he called a "FAKE" and defamatory report.
The Wall Street Journal article in question alleged that Trump had sent Epstein a “bawdy” letter for the late financier’s 50th birthday in 2003, bearing Trump's name and signature. Trump vehemently denied the claim, calling it a “malicious fabrication” and asserting that the letter was forged or misrepresented.
“I have never sent Epstein any such letter. I don’t know where the Wall Street Journal is getting their garbage, but this is just another hit job,” Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. “I have instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all relevant grand jury materials to the public IMMEDIATELY. The people deserve the truth.”
Legal and Political Shockwaves
Trump's move to declassify and release grand jury testimony marks an extraordinary break from legal precedent. Grand jury proceedings are typically secret under federal law, intended to protect the privacy of witnesses and the integrity of investigations. Legal analysts immediately questioned the legality of such an order, as federal rules of criminal procedure restrict the executive branch from releasing grand jury records without court approval.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, a staunch Trump ally and former Florida Attorney General, has not yet publicly commented on the directive. It remains unclear whether the Department of Justice has begun the process or whether any court filing has been made to authorize the release.
Political Repercussions
Critics argue that Trump’s directive is politically motivated and aimed at shifting the spotlight from allegations about his past ties to Epstein. Others claim the release of grand jury materials could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining future federal investigations.
However, Trump’s supporters applauded the move, framing it as a bold act of transparency.
“President Trump is doing what no other president had the courage to do—shine a light on the Epstein scandal and expose the deep state’s secrets,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Battle with the Press
The former president’s renewed legal threats against the Wall Street Journal are part of a broader war on media institutions he has long accused of bias and dishonesty. In his statement, Trump specifically called out Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire media mogul behind News Corp and Fox News, accusing him of allowing “fake news and malicious lies” to be published under his watch.
“This is a disgrace to journalism and the American people. Murdoch should be ashamed,” Trump said.
A spokesperson for the Wall Street Journal declined to comment on the potential lawsuit but stood by the publication’s reporting, stating that the outlet adheres to the “highest standards of investigative journalism.”
What Comes Next?
If the grand jury testimony is released, it could potentially offer new insight into the Epstein case, which has remained the subject of intense public fascination and speculation. However, legal experts caution that any such release would need to be carefully vetted to avoid violating privacy rights or undermining ongoing investigations.
Whether Trump's directive will materialize into actual document releases remains to be seen—but the political and legal implications are already reverberating.
As this story develops, it is sure to reignite the national debate over transparency, media integrity, and the lingering shadows of the Epstein saga.
