Epstein survivors press Congress to force release of Justice Department files as Trump calls effort a 'Democratic hoax'

A group of women who say they were abused by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell appeared on Capitol Hill Wednesday to press Congress to force the Justice Department to release all files related to the Epstein investigation.

Their emotional appeals came as a bipartisan pair of lawmakers began collecting signatures for a procedural move to bypass House leadership and compel a floor vote on the matter, a step that has exposed sharp divisions among House Republicans and prompted strong resistance from the White House. Former President Donald Trump denounced the effort as a "Democratic hoax."

Speaking publicly for the first time about her abuse, Marina Lacerda urged Congress to demand transparency. "We are not going away," she said. "I would like for them to give all the victims transparency to what happened and release the files. It's not okay for us to be silenced."

Survivors and their advocates said the files, which are held by the Justice Department, could shed light on the scope of the investigation and on matters that remain sealed or undisclosed. Families of survivors have also voiced concern about the possibility of a presidential pardon for any alleged accomplices, an anxiety that gained renewed attention amid last week's remarks and reporting.

The procedural effort underway in the House aims to gather enough member signatures to trigger a floor vote under House rules. Supporters said the move is necessary because House leaders have declined to bring the measure to the floor. Opponents, including officials in the White House, have argued against releasing the documents, citing legal and privacy considerations.

Lawmakers and advocates on the Hill framed the push as an accountability measure and a demand for clarity after years of litigation, settlements and limited public disclosure. Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, and Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021, have been the subject of extensive civil suits and separate criminal investigations. Some case records and briefing materials remain sealed or were produced under confidentiality agreements, complicating public oversight.

Republican responses have been mixed, highlighting broader intra-party fractures over how to handle the issue politically. Some House Republicans have signaled willingness to support the signatures drive; others have sided with leadership and the White House in opposing a forced release. Advocates for the survivors said the partisan split underscores why a procedural bypass is needed to ensure a full House debate.

The signatures push is ongoing. If proponents collect the needed backing, the House could be compelled to hold a floor vote that would determine whether the Justice Department must turn over the files to Congress. The outcome could have legal and political ramifications, potentially prompting further court proceedings over the handling and scope of the documents and renewing scrutiny of the investigations into Epstein and his associates.