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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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Several survivors of abuse perpetrated by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are expected to speak out for the first time in early September.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California and Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said in a media advisory this week that the survivors would join them at a news conference on September 3.
Newsweek has contacted the lawmakers for further comment via email.
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Why It Matters
The announcement comes as the lawmakers are pushing legislation to compel the Trump administration to release records from the investigation into Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide behind bars in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving dozens of women and girls as young as 14.
The administration has been under pressure since the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI said in a July memo that no further disclosures in the case "would be appropriate or warranted," sparking a backlash from Trump supporters who believe the files contain incriminating information about Epstein's wealthy and powerful friends.
Trump has repeatedly sought to downplay the uproar and move on from it, but his personal relationship to Epstein has also received renewed scrutiny.
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What To Know
The advisory said the news conference sought to "highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability."
According to the advisory, the lawmakers will be "joined by survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's abuse—several of whom will speak publicly about the abuse for the first time."
Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and accomplice, is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of various crimes related to sex trafficking.
Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, attorneys representing the survivors, are also speaking at the news conference, the advisory said.
The lawmakers will discuss the importance of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill seeking to release the records in the Epstein case, it added.
They also plan to provide an update on their discharge petition to force a vote on the bill. The petition requires the support of a majority of the House—218 lawmakers—to succeed.
What People Are Saying
Republican Representative Thomas Massie wrote on X on Monday: "The survivors deserve justice and Americans deserve transparency."
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna wrote in an op-ed published by The Nation on Wednesday: "Releasing the full Epstein files—while protecting the privacy and safety of victims—must be a top priority. It is a simple question of whether our leaders stand with America's children and victims of abuse or with the wealthy and powerful who are being protected."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in July: "The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history. They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM."
What Happens Next
The news conference is scheduled to take place at the House Triangle in Washington, D.C., at 10:30 a.m. ET on September 3, when lawmakers return from their monthlong recess.
Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the DOJ for records from the Epstein case. Those documents must be turned over by August 19.
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