WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump will not recommend a special counsel in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a White House spokeswoman said Thursday, turning aside calls for further action in an inquiry that has roiled the Justice Department and angered supporters who had been expecting a treasure trove of documents from the case.

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

Donald Trump's Jeffrey Epstein headache persisted this week with a new report on his alleged ties to Epstein and ongoing calls for transparency.

He was known for socializing with politicians and royalty, including Trump, Democratic President Bill Clinton, Microsoft (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates and Britain's Prince Andrew. Some friends and clients flew on his private plane and visited his Caribbean islands.