Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are taking a bold step by organizing a press conference featuring ten victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Scheduled for September 3, this event aims to renew calls for the declassification of Epstein-related files. The bipartisan effort reflects a growing urgency across political lines to shed light on a troubling chapter in American history.
Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, along with Khanna, a Democrat from California, previously collaborated on a discharge petition to force a vote in the House regarding the release of Epstein’s classified documents. Khanna stated that the initiative has garnered signatures from 12 Democrats and 12 Republicans, showcasing a united front in pursuing justice for the victims. However, recent actions in Congress have raised eyebrows. House Speaker Mike Johnson cut the House session short, sending lawmakers away for the month of August amid rising tensions over the petition. Johnson criticized Massie for his inaction during the Biden administration, remarking, “I don’t understand his motivation…”
Massie’s prior calls for the release of Epstein’s client list have drawn scrutiny, particularly given his delayed push now compared to past years. While there is uncertainty whether a vote would have succeeded under the former administration, the matter has persisted in political conversations. High-profile supporters, including current FBI Director Kash Patel, initially rallied around the issue to bolster Trump’s campaign, but the narrative has since shifted.
Frustration has also surfaced among Trump supporters regarding the administration’s handling of the Epstein case. In a notable incident earlier this year, some influencers were given what they expected to be revealing documents but were disappointed to find redundant information. Attorney General Pam Bondi later stated she had been misled by FBI agents about the contents of those files, claiming, “thousands of pages of documents” were held back. Meanwhile, Patel defended controversial statements suggesting Epstein’s death was a suicide, despite numerous suspicious circumstances surrounding it.
The leaks from the Department of Justice have added further complexity, with a memo asserting that there was no incriminating evidence linking Epstein to powerful figures in his sex trafficking operation. Even President Trump expressed skepticism toward those clamoring for the files, labeling some Republicans as “stupid” and “foolish” for engaging with the subject. He denounced what he termed the “Epstein hoax…” suggesting that some supporters were falling into a trap set by Democrats.
The upcoming press conference is anticipated to mark an important moment for the victims who have remained silent for too long. Khanna shared his expectation that the American public will resonate deeply with the victims’ stories, emphasizing, “People are going to be outraged…” He highlighted the absence of dialogue with victims when Epstein benefitted from a lenient plea deal and when Maxwell was sentenced. For him, this conference is about giving victims a voice and demanding accountability from those who have escaped justice. “All the victims are saying is for closure, we need the Epstein files released,\” Khanna stated.
This emphasis on transparency and the need for accountability is at the core of what Massie and Khanna aim to achieve. With both Democrats and Republicans backing the push for declassification, they are tapping into a broader desire for justice. Khanna confidently asserted, “In this country, people want transparency, they want accountability. I’m confident we’re going to get the 218 votes for the discharge petition…”
The press conference presents an opportunity for the victims to speak out about their experiences and to highlight the systemic failures that have shielded powerful individuals from scrutiny. Khanna believes these narratives, once shared, will provoke a strong emotional reaction from the public, galvanizing support for the release of pertinent information. He expressed, “My belief is, when the American people actually hear the victims for the first time, their hearts are going to be broken…”
With the countdown to the news conference ticking down, attention is focused on how lawmakers will respond. As Massie and Khanna prepare to offer a platform to these ten victims, it remains to be seen whether their plea for transparency will resonate throughout Congress and lead to a significant shift in how the Epstein files are handled moving forward.
"*" indicates required fields
