By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10News | Washington | Friday, July 18, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the release of sealed grand jury materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, days after The Wall Street Journal published a story referencing a letter bearing his name found in Epstein’s 2003 birthday album.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Thursday night, Trump said he had “authorized Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.” Bondi confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that she was ready to approach the court Friday with a motion to unseal the transcripts.
The announcement follows a WSJ report detailing a typewritten message allegedly sent from Trump to Epstein, included in a leather-bound birthday book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell. The note reportedly read, “Happy birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,” and was signed “Donald” under the sketch of a woman’s body.
Trump denied authoring the note and lashed out at The Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and Chairman Rupert Murdoch, promising legal action. “I’ll sue his ass off,” Trump wrote of Murdoch, a longtime ally turned critic.
The former president also denounced the WSJ’s reporting as part of what he termed the “Epstein Hoax,” a phrase echoed by several high-profile allies who have questioned the credibility of the claims.
Despite the lack of physical evidence released publicly by the Journal, the report has reignited public interest in Epstein’s associations with powerful figures.
Prominent MAGA-aligned figures, including Senator J.D. Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk, defended Trump while criticizing the publication. Some Trump supporters, however, expressed dissatisfaction with what they see as a delay in transparency from the former president’s camp, particularly over Epstein-related records.
The Justice Department had previously said there was no comprehensive “client list” of Epstein’s associates and reiterated that the financier died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The new push to release grand jury materials could add pressure to federal agencies already accused of withholding sensitive documents.
Trump’s critics argue the move is politically calculated amid mounting scrutiny over his connections to Epstein, while supporters view it as a bold step toward accountability. The White House has not commented on the development.
Bondi, appointed by Trump as attorney general during his second term, said in her post that “the American people deserve truth and transparency.” It remains unclear whether the court will approve the unsealing of the testimony.
The controversy comes at a sensitive moment for Trump, whose campaign is facing renewed legal and political challenges.
Congressional Republicans have delayed votes on Trump-backed budget proposals, with some lawmakers demanding greater disclosure on Epstein-related matters as a condition for moving forward.
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 of sex crimes and maintained connections with numerous elites prior to his death. The resurfacing of documents, whether verified or not, continues to cast a shadow over prominent figures—Trump included.
The Wall Street Journal has stood by its reporting but has not yet published the physical copy of the alleged letter.
M10News will continue to monitor this story for updates.
