Today, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) joined Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Epstein survivors for a press conference at the Capitol. We are demanding the release of the Epstein files. We stand with all survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s abuse, several of whom spoke publicly for the first time today.
In 2019, Jeffrey Epstein died in custody while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was controversially ruled a suicide. In 2021, his accomplice and former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted of sex trafficking and conspiracy for her role in recruiting and abusing these young victims. She is currently serving 20 years in prison.
It is suspected that several high-profile politicians, celebrities, and other public figures participated in this sexual abuse or actively engaged in efforts to cover it up. For years, victims have been calling for the public release of documents from the court cases and investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised to declassify and release the files, despite his well-documented ties to Epstein. Now, Trump and his administration have reversed course, actively blocking transparency. This switch has led to widespread suspicion and a sense of betrayal among victims and the public.
Because Trump, the DOJ, and the FBI have failed to release the files, Congress is taking matters into its own hands. Representatives Khanna and Massie have introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act. If passed, this would force those in power to “make publicly available in a searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein and Maxwell. These records are currently in the possession of the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Attorneys’ Offices.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has been conducting its own investigation into the Epstein case under the leadership of Chairman James Comer (R-KY). They released a letter earlier this year and a statement last week. Rep. Khanna is a member of the Oversight Committee and Rep. Massie is a former member.
“The DOJ is stonewalling,” noted Rep. Ro Khanna. “The survivors deserve justice and the public deserves transparency. Congress must pass my bill with Rep. Thomas Massie, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, to force the full release of the Epstein files with redactions to protect the victims.”
As an organization committed to preventing sexual violence, we are deeply disturbed by the ongoing lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the distress it continues to inflict on survivors. Today, we stood with Congressmembers from both sides of the aisle and victims from across the country demanding the immediate release of the Epstein files.
To learn more, read our full statement.
