Trump DOJ order on Jeffrey Epstein could create legal and ethical challenges

President Donald Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony" in the Jeffrey Epstein case — but it's unclear what's in that material, or whether a judge will even allow it to be released

President Donald Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to "produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony" in the Jeffrey Epstein case — but it's unclear what's in that material, or whether a judge will even allow it to be released.

The Justice Department filed the motion in federal court in New York late Friday afternoon, calling on a judge to "release the associated grand jury transcripts" of cases having to do with Epstein "and lift any preexisting protective orders."

The president handed down the directive on the case Thursday night, hours after The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump sent a "bawdy" 50th birthday letter to Epstein in 2003. NBC News has not independently verified the documents, and Trump denied sending such a letter. The president filed a lawsuit on Friday against the newspaper's publisher, two of its reporters and News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch. A Dow Jones spokesperson said in a statement, “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”

The president in recent days has sought to brush off the growing pressure, including from some of his closest supporters, to release more information on the case. Epstein's criminal case and 2019 death have long been the subject of conspiracy theories.

"Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!" he wrote.