Democrats Push for Epstein Files Release Amid Trump’s DOJ Memo
Progressive Democrats, including prominent figures like David Hogg, Malcolm Kenyatta, and Rep. Ro Khanna, are intensifying their demands for the full release of all documents related to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, despite the Trump administration’s recent stance. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI have issued a memo this month stating that Epstein died by suicide in prison and that the so-called ‘client list’ does not exist. The files, which include thousands of illegal child sex abuse materials and other pornography, are subject to court-ordered sealing.
David Hogg, a former Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair and progressive firebrand, criticized President Donald Trump for blocking the release of the documents, stating, ‘Biden should have released it. Trump absolutely should, but he won’t because he’s on the god d–n list.’ This accusation highlights the tension between Trump’s position on law and order and his administration’s handling of the Epstein case, which has become a focal point in the political discourse.
Malcolm Kenyatta, another prominent DNC figure, echoed Hogg’s sentiments, noting the hypocrisy of Trump’s campaign promises regarding transparency. He remarked, ‘This is a guy that ran for president talking about caring about law and order, and yet he is hiding the Epstein files in one of the greatest criminal cover-ups in American history.’ Such comments underscore the broader debate over transparency in government and the personal conduct of public officials.
Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has been a key advocate for the release of all Epstein files, tying a procedural vote on the matter to an unrelated crypto bill. His frustration became evident when House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, shut down the vote, preventing a full House vote on the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). This act, introduced by Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie, aims to force the House to vote on the complete release of government files related to Epstein.
Johnson, despite his support for transparency, has sent Congress home early for the August recess before the vote could proceed. Khanna expressed his desire to move past the issue, stating, ‘I would like nothing more than to get past this, for the president to release all the files, and let’s build trust and move on.’ However, he emphasized the importance of making all information public, with victims’ names redacted, to ensure accountability.
The absence of a response from the White House has left the situation hanging, with the political ramifications of the dispute uncertain. As the debate over Epstein’s files continues, the focus remains on the balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information, with Democrats and Republicans offering conflicting perspectives on the issue.