These are not the "Epstein Files": Judge rules Epstein grand jury records from 2019 can be released

But in Wednesday's ruling, he said the materials could now be released because of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law by US President Donald Trump last month.

The law requires the justice department to release investigative material related to Epstein by 19 December, including unclassified records, documents and communications.

It also allows the department to withhold files that involve active criminal investigations or raise privacy concerns.