Epstein survivors rallied on Capitol Hill to demand file transparency as Trump dismissed the probe as a “hoax,” igniting bipartisan backlash.
At a Glance
- Epstein victims urged Congress to pass a transparency bill requiring DOJ document release within 30 days
- Bipartisan discharge petition by Reps. Massie and Khanna is just two GOP signatures short of forcing a vote
- Trump called the Epstein investigation a “Democrat hoax,” prompting fierce survivor rebuke
- Oversight Committee has released 33,000 documents, but critics say most are already public
- New surveillance video contradicts past claims about Epstein’s jail death
Survivor Testimony Collides With Trump Remarks
Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers descended on Capitol Hill Wednesday, delivering searing testimony and demanding congressional action to release unredacted files from the Justice Department. The appearance marked a rare bipartisan push by lawmakers and survivors alike to compel transparency via the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill that would mandate full public disclosure of all investigative documents within 30 days of passage.
Leading the charge were Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), who introduced a discharge petition to force the measure onto the House floor without Speaker Mike Johnson’s approval. The petition currently needs only two more Republican signatures to trigger a full vote.
Watch now: Epstein survivors beg Trump to tell DOJ to release more files
The political urgency intensified following recent comments by former President Donald Trump, who labeled the Epstein investigation a “hoax” designed to tarnish his image. That characterization drew sharp condemnation from survivors. One woman, identifying herself as a lifelong Republican, said the remark was “devastating” and challenged Trump to meet her in person. Another, Chauntae Davies, emphasized, “We cannot heal without justice.”
Political Pressure Mounts
Despite the release of some 33,000 pages of documents by the House Oversight Committee, critics argue the bulk of substantive material—especially surrounding Epstein’s financial network, client associations, and intelligence connections—remains withheld. Rep. Massie has publicly urged his GOP colleagues to break ranks and support the petition, calling it a test of moral courage.
Speaker Johnson and Republican leadership have resisted the discharge effort, favoring continued oversight hearings instead. Meanwhile, Democrats have lined up behind the bill, citing widespread public interest in uncovering the full extent of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged network.
Adding further intrigue, newly released surveillance video from Epstein’s jail cell on the night of his death reveals the previously missing minute of footage—long the center of conspiracy theories. Contrary to claims by some officials, the clip shows guards present outside Epstein’s cell, contradicting earlier assertions that recording ceased due to technical failure.
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