House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has launched a sharp critique of House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, calling him a ‘stone-cold liar’ over allegations that he may have had dinner with Jeffrey Epstein or solicited donations from the disgraced financier. The conflict escalated after the Oversight Committee released a document that appeared to show Democratic fundraisers had reached out to Epstein to invite him to a dinner with Jeffries. Jeffries, however, denied any personal involvement, stating the emails were sent by consultants and not indicative of his actions.
The dispute intensified on the day following the release of the document, which Comer claimed was discovered among the 65,000 pages of recently disclosed Department of Justice (DOJ) materials. Comer accused Jeffries of being involved in any connections with Epstein, prompting Jeffries to respond by calling Comer’s allegations baseless. ‘He’s a stone-cold liar,’ Jeffries remarked, emphasizing that the emails did not reflect any direct ties to Epstein.
The controversy unfolded in the context of broader congressional efforts to ensure greater transparency regarding Epstein’s activities. On the day prior to Jeffries’ remarks, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill that mandates the Department of Justice to release its files on Epstein. The legislation, which passed with a 427-1 vote, gained momentum after the Senate unanimously adopted the bill, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The act aims to provide the public with access to detailed records, including those involving high-profile individuals like Trump and former President Bill Clinton.
Jeffries, who personally supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act, expressed frustration over the suggestion that his name might appear in future disclosures. ‘Was that a serious statement from malignant clown James Comer? That I had Jeffrey Epstein over for dinner? That I accepted money from Jeffrey, Epstein?’ Jeffries questioned, framing the accusations as part of an effort to divert attention from the House majority’s alleged failures to address pressing issues affecting everyday Americans. The passage of the Transparency Act has also sparked speculation about which prominent figures could be implicated in the extensive records that will eventually be released, with rumors circulating about potential revelations involving other public figures.