WASHINGTON — House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Monday called for an independent special counsel to investigate alleged ties between President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, citing a 53-page report compiled by minority staff.
The report, made public ahead of the midterm elections, asserts there is a 'growing body of evidence' suggesting Trump was an 'active participant' in Epstein’s crimes. It cites testimony from 11 women who allege Trump was involved in the abuse of women. The document also references millions of newly unsealed documents related to Epstein’s case, which include thousands of mentions of Trump.
Key developments:
- House Democrats formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) appoint an independent special counsel to investigate the allegations.
- The report was released days before the midterm elections, positioning it as a potential focus for lawmakers in January if Democrats regain control of Congress.
The Justice Department under Trump declined to appoint a special counsel in similar high-profile cases, including the Russia investigation and the 2020 election interference probe. The report acknowledged this precedent but argued the evidence in this case warranted action.
Trump’s response:
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis dismissed the report as a 'desperate attempt by crazed Democrats to distract Americans' from Republican momentum. She reiterated Trump’s prior statements that he cut ties with Epstein years before the allegations surfaced and claimed he had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for being a 'creep.'
Legal and political context:
A bipartisan law signed in November 2023 mandated the release of millions of documents related to Epstein’s case, which led to the unsealing of files naming Trump among others. To date, only Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted; no additional charges have been filed.
The report’s release coincides with declining approval ratings for Trump, driven by economic concerns, affordability issues, and geopolitical tensions, including the war with Iran. Democrats are seeking to leverage the document as a campaign issue in the midterms, framing it as part of a broader pattern of accountability.
Documentation and evidence:
The report relies on unsealed court documents and testimonies from alleged victims, though it does not specify which documents or testimonies directly implicate Trump. The DOJ has not yet responded to the request for a special counsel. The FBI and other federal agencies have not publicly commented on the allegations.
Timeline of events:
- November 2023: Bipartisan law mandates release of Epstein-related documents.
- August 2024: Epstein dies by suicide in jail while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
- October 2024: House Judiciary Committee Democrats release report calling for special counsel investigation.