Accusers of Jeffrey Epstein React to Trump’s Remarks
Lisa Phillips, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, expressed her shock and disappointment upon hearing Democrats on Capitol Hill advocate for transparency regarding President Trump’s connections in the Epstein scandal.
“Honestly, it was both shocking and upsetting. I couldn’t believe he said that,” Phillips shared during an appearance on CNN’s “AC360.”
She described Trump’s response as “confusing,” especially given his previous support for her efforts to make documents related to Epstein public. “For years, he acknowledged the existence of thousands of files, claiming he would release them,” she noted. “So, to hear him say that today left me puzzled.”
On Wednesday, victims of Epstein’s abuse gathered outside the Capitol for a press conference, delivering heartfelt testimonies. They accused lawmakers of blocking the release of documents that could expose a wealthy and influential group of individuals complicit in the abuse.
Phillips recounted her experience of being taken to Epstein’s private island in 2000. “We’re not seeking sympathy; we demand accountability and justice,” she asserted to the audience. “Lawmakers need to decide: will they continue protecting predators or stand up for survivors?”
She also mentioned that accusers might adjust their list of associates following the Trump administration’s discovery that Epstein had not maintained such a list earlier this summer.
In a subsequent interview, Phillips clarified that their intention wasn’t to target the president. “I believe he thinks we were aimed at him, but that wasn’t the case,” she explained. “I don’t have any evidence to suggest he harmed any survivors, so that wasn’t meant as an accusation.”
When victims addressed Capitol Hill, Trump dismissed their protest regarding the Epstein documents, calling it a “hoax” that was damaging to Democrats. “It’s really a Democrat hoax; they’ve been trying to distract from our nation’s successes,” he commented in the Oval Office.
Other victims also countered Trump’s comments. Haley Robson, a registered Republican, urged the president to meet with them during his visit to Washington. “We are real. We are here,” she stated. “There were no hoaxes. The abuse was genuine.”
