Epstein survivors urge Congress to release all the files: "No hiding"
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Liz Stein, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, speaks at a rally outside the U.S. Capitol urging the release of unclassified records tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
A group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors is calling on Congress to release all files and documents related to the investigation into the convicted sex offender.
Why it matters: The letter comes as the House prepares a vote to force the release of the files from the Justice Department's investigation into Epstein, which President Tump has repeatedly called "a hoax."
- The letter also arrives days after House Democrats released a series of emails detailing Trump's connection to Epstein.
- Survivors of Epstein have previously spoken on Capitol Hill about their allegations against him.
What they're saying: "You have the ability to vote to release the Epstein files, and with it, deliver a promise the American people have awaited for far too long. We implore you to do so," reads the letter, attributed to the family of Virginia Giuffre and other survivors.
- "There is no middle ground here," the letter continues. "There is no hiding behind party affiliation. The testimonies you heard are just a fraction of the unimaginable suffering endured by more than a thousand victims alike."
- "As you gather with your family this season, remember that your primary duty is to your constituents. Look into the eyes of your children, your sisters, your mothers, and your aunts. Imagine if they had been preyed upon. Imagine if you yourself were a survivor. What would you want for them? What would you want for yourself? When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box."
- The letter, signed by roughly two dozen others, calls on Congress to vote "yes" on the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Context: The Epstein survivors are part of the widespread public pressure on the Trump administration and Congress to release the documents.
- The Giuffre family — which represents Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April — has been at the center of the survivor's campaign.
Zoom out: The letter comes as many in the Republican-run House have signed a petition calling for a vote on a bill that would release all the Epstein probe documents.
- Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has suggested the vote could happen next week.
- Trump and the House GOP leaders oppose releasing all the documents.
- If the bill passes the House, it still needs approval from the Republican-controlled Senate, as well as a signature from Trump.
Four months ago, Trump blocked the release of the Epstein files, despite he and his advisors having campaigned in the 2024 election on a promise to release them.
- Now, Trump has called any associations between himself and Epstein part of a hoax.
- On Friday, Trump urged the Justice Department to investigate former President Bill Clinton, JPMorgan Chase and others over any potential ties to Epstein.
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