Exclusive—Ro Khanna Vows to 'Fight With Everything' to Reveal Epstein Files
Representative Ro Khanna vowed in an interview with Newsweek to "fight with everything" to secure the release of the Epstein files.
Why It Matters
House Republicans voted against an effort introduced by Khanna, a California Democrat, that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release the Epstein files within 30 days.
Trump indicated on the campaign trail that he could release the documents related to Epstein, who was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and died by suicide in a New York federal jail a month later while awaiting trial. There have long been rumors of an Epstein "client list," though no such document has ever been made public. Epstein's former girlfriend and associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced in 2022 for aiding Epstein in the trafficking of minors and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
However, a recent memo from the Department of Justice and the FBI said there was no "client list" and that no further charges would be brought. Trump has also called on his supporters to move past what he describes as the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax," sparking outrage from many of his supporters.
What to Know
Khanna told Newsweek he was "disappointed" by the fact that Republicans voted against his measure, but that he plans to keep fighting for the release of the Epstein files.
Representative Ro Khanna speaks during a rally in Washington, D.C., on April 27, 2022. Jeffrey Epstein appears in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 8, 2004.
Representative Ro Khanna speaks during a rally in Washington, D.C., on April 27, 2022. Jeffrey Epstein appears in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 8, 2004.; Rick Friedman/Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty Images
"This is a matter of whose side are you on. Are you for protecting rich and powerful men or are you for making sure that there's accountability given that they abused, assaulted and abandoned young girls?" Khanna said. "A nation that does not hold powerful men accountable is a nation that has lost its moral purpose."
He and Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, plan to introduce a bill together that already has support from six Republicans, he said. He expects all Democrats will support it as well, meaning there will likely be a vote on the bill when Congress returns from recess in September.
"I am going to fight with everything I can just to make sure that this file gets released," he said.
Trump is "underestimating the anger people have" amid his latest statements on Epstein, Khanna said. The situation reveals a "core rottenness in our political system" that people want to see exposed, he said, adding that shining "sunlight" on these files is the "best thing we can do to restore people's trust in government."
"This is not just about Epstein. This is about rich and powerful men who are connected to the highest levels of government here and possibly overseas, who engage in the abuse and assault of young girls. And they're being treated with impunity," he said.
Trump and Epstein were connected socially in the early 2000s, but Trump distanced himself from Epstein following his 2019 arrest, saying he had not spoken to Epstein in 15 years and was "not a fan." Amid backlash over the administration's handling of the files, Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release "whatever she thinks is credible" regarding Epstein.
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday: "Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bulls***,'' hook, line, and sinker. They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years. I have had more success in 6 months than perhaps any President in our Country's history, and all these people want to talk about, with strong prodding by the Fake News and the success starved Dems, is the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax. Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore!"
Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico wrote on X: "Republicans in the House Rules Committee just stopped an amendment that, if passed, would force Congress to vote on whether the Trump Administration should release the Epstein files. What are they hiding?"
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: "The conspiracy theories just aren't true, never have been. It's an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump—and I'll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me."
What Happens Next
The Epstein files may continue to be a political challenge for Trump, as polls suggest a majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of the matter. Khanna said Democrats have an opportunity to emphasize the issue to show themselves as the "populist party" that is listening to the concerns of Americans who want to see more transparency in the government.
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