The Justice Department said unsealing grand jury transcripts related to Epstein's case is necessary given "longstanding and legitimate" public interest in the case.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday asked a federal judge to release the transcripts of grand jury testimony made against Jeffrey Epstein years ago, as the Trump Administration faces a wave of criticism from lawmakers and the public over its handling of the late sex offender’s case.

The Trump administration’s chaotic handling of the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files continued Friday as the Justice Department asked a federal judge to make public years-old grand jury testimony made behind closed doors against the convicted sex offender.