Calls for transparency over Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal connections intensified over the weekend, as U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) announced plans to force a congressional vote demanding the public release of all government files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender.
“On Tuesday, I’m introducing an amendment to force a vote demanding the FULL Epstein files be released to the public,” Khanna tweeted. “Speaker [Mike Johnson] must call a vote and put every Congress member on record.”
The Trump administration has come under renewed scrutiny over alleged efforts to suppress information related to Epstein’s crimes and his ties to powerful figures—including former President Donald Trump himself.
“Why are the Epstein files still hidden? Who are the rich and powerful being protected?” Khanna asked, echoing growing public concern.
Epstein, Trump, and Elite Connections
Since Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody—officially ruled a suicide—speculation has persisted that he may have been murdered to prevent him from exposing influential individuals involved in his sex-trafficking network. Epstein maintained relationships with numerous prominent figures, including former President Bill Clinton and the U.K.’s Prince Andrew.
Trump’s connection to Epstein has also been well documented, with numerous photos of the two together and a resurfaced audio recording in which Epstein referred to himself as “Donald Trump’s closest friend.”
In June, amid a feud with Trump, billionaire Elon Musk accused the Trump administration of deliberately hiding Epstein-related documents. “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files,” Musk posted. “That is the real reason they have not been made public.”
A Campaign Promise Reversed?
During the 2024 campaign, Trump had stated he would “probably” release the Epstein files if re-elected. Many members of his Department of Justice, including FBI Director Kash Patel, rose to prominence by criticizing Democrats for allegedly covering up Epstein’s connections to elites.
At his confirmation hearing, Patel promised, “I will do everything if confirmed as FBI director to make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”
In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed similar sentiments, claiming she had Epstein’s client list “sitting on my desk” and vowing to reveal “a lot of names.” However, in the weeks that followed, little new information emerged.
Then on July 7, a DOJ memo declared that there was “no incriminating client list” and that Epstein had, in fact, committed suicide. It concluded that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”
Outrage from All Sides
The memo’s conclusions triggered outrage—not just from Democrats but from Trump supporters as well. Bondi came under fire, accused of participating in a cover-up.
“Pam Blondi [sic] is covering up child sex crimes that took place under HER WATCH when she was Attorney General of Florida,” posted conservative influencer Laura Loomer. “Bondi needs to be fired.”
Trump himself dismissed further inquiries about Epstein during a recent press appearance: “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years… That is unbelievable.”
He later posted on Truth Social, defending Bondi and urging the public to “not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.” The post was met with overwhelmingly negative reactions—even from his supporters.
Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter), “He said ‘Epstein’ half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein. Just release the files as promised.”
Khanna Pushes for Action
Amid the bipartisan backlash, Rep. Khanna hopes public pressure will lead to real action.
“This is about transparency and restoring trust, not partisan politics,” he said. “The public outcry is apparent. The files should be fully released—and can be done so consistent with DOJ principles of protecting victims and the innocent.”
