A federal judge overseeing the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury records from Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal case said he intends to rule quickly but requires more information first. In a four-page order, District Judge Paul Engelmayer instructed the DOJ to submit a supplemental brief by July 29. The judge asked for better justification for releasing the sealed material, and clarification on whether the victims were notified and whether prosecutors have already reviewed the transcripts.

Engelmayer also ordered the DOJ to file, under seal, a complete index of the grand jury transcripts from Maxwell’s case, the full transcripts themselves, and proposed redacted versions. In response, Maxwell’s defense team requested access to the transcripts before forming an official position. Defense attorney David Oscar Markus argued that the materials were never fully shared with the defense during her trial and should be reviewed to allow a proper legal response.

In addition, the judge set a deadline of August 5 for any victims involved in the case to submit their opinions on whether the transcripts should be released publicly. The matter has gained urgency since President Donald Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release more Epstein-related materials in response to growing public and political pressure for transparency.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, now handling parts of the case, is expected to meet with Maxwell in the coming days. Blanche stated that the DOJ is prepared to consider any credible information she can provide regarding others involved in alleged crimes.

Meanwhile, Democrats have criticized the Trump administration’s actions, accusing it of politicizing the case. Former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz added that some high-profile Democrats were named in redacted materials but cautioned that accusations do not prove guilt.