A number of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors gathered on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to convey a powerful message to lawmakers.
During a press conference set against the backdrop of the Capitol, these survivors shared heartfelt testimonies about the abuse they endured, criticizing lawmakers who seem to obstruct efforts to release crucial files and shield influential individuals from facing consequences.
One victim, Chante Davis, pointed out Epstein’s ties to President Trump, noting that Epstein often bragged about their closeness, rooted in their shared social circles in Florida and New York years ago.
“Jeffrey and Ghislaine took pride in associating with famous and powerful people, and he would often brag about being a close friend of Donald Trump,” Davis recounted. “He even had an 8×10 photo of Trump on his desk. They were quite close.”
The victims are advocating for a resolution backed by Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), which calls for the release of all documents related to Epstein and his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
This legislation faces opposition from Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who have suggested alternative measures aimed at enhancing the ongoing Epstein investigation by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Supporters of Massie and Khanna’s initiative, including the survivors present at the Capitol, have dismissed Johnson’s alternative as ineffective, arguing it lacks the necessary strength to compel the Justice Department to disclose documents it prefers to keep hidden.
“Their resolution doesn’t actually accomplish anything. It’s just a classic political maneuver,” Massie stated. “When you want to stifle progress, release a meaningless bill and distract the American public. That won’t work this time.”
In response to the protests regarding the Epstein files, Trump labeled the movement a “hoax” perpetuated by Democrats.
“It’s truly a Democrat hoax. Ever since my presidency, they’ve been trying to divert attention to matters that have nothing to do with the success of our nation,” Trump remarked to reporters in the Oval Office.
The victims strongly countered Trump’s remarks. Haley Robson, one of the survivors, identified as a Republican and challenged Trump to engage with her directly.
“There are no hoaxes,” she asserted. “The abuse was real.”
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