‘There is no hoax’: Epstein survivors demand justice and transparency

September 3, 2025

Epstein survivors gathered at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday for a rally and news conference, demanding the release of Epstein files, justice for victims, and no pardons for Ghislaine Maxwell. Over a dozen survivors spoke out, challenging President Trump's dismissal of the Epstein files as a "Democrat hoax" and pressing for transparency across political lines. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are leading a bipartisan resolution to compel the Justice Department to release the estimated 100,000 pages of Epstein-related files, while House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer recently released 33,000 pages that survivors and lawmakers claim are heavily redacted and mostly already public.

Who is affected

Epstein and Maxwell survivors who are seeking justice and transparency
Congressional representatives working across party lines on the issue
President Trump, whose past association with Epstein has drawn attention
The Justice Department and officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has faced political pressure over the files
Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence
Members of Trump's base who have been demanding file releases

What action is being taken

Survivors are rallying at the Capitol and speaking publicly about their experiences
Reps. Massie and Khanna are leading a bipartisan resolution to compel the Justice Department to release Epstein files
Massie is attempting to force a vote via a discharge petition, which has gathered over 180 signatures
Rep. Comer has released 33,000 pages of Epstein records from the Justice Department
Survivors are discussing compiling their own list of people "regularly in the Epstein world"
The House Oversight Committee is conducting an ongoing review of parts of the Epstein files
Bondi and Patel are scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee

Why it matters

The release of Epstein files represents a crucial step toward justice and accountability for survivors who have been "silenced" and "sidelined" for years. The issue has created rare bipartisan collaboration in Congress, bringing together lawmakers across the political spectrum to advocate for transparency. The handling of the Epstein case has significant political implications, causing discord within Trump's base and creating challenges for House leadership. Most importantly, as survivor Jess Michaels stated, this moment will be "remembered for survivors demanding justice, demanding truth, demanding accountability," highlighting how survivor voices are finally being centered in a case that has far-reaching implications.

What's next

Bondi and Patel are scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks
The discharge petition needs 218 signatures to force a floor vote on the resolution compelling file release
Congress faces a September 30 deadline to pass a government funding bill while managing the Epstein files issue
Maxwell's testimony to House Oversight is postponed pending the outcome of her Supreme Court appeal
Survivors plan to compile and release their own list of individuals associated with Epstein

Read full article from source: The 19th