Epstein file spending hits $53 million
Democrats promise congressional probes if they win the Nov. 3 midterms, while critics argue the party should focus on other corruption.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Democratic candidates have spent $53 million on television ads mentioning Jeffrey Epstein in competitive races, according to figures from AdImpact cited by the Washington Post. The party’s rivals spent $3 million on similar messaging. This spending surge coincides with a fall football season that features heavy advertising during commercial breaks.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, a member of the House Oversight Committee, stated in an interview with Bloomberg News that investigating Epstein would be a top priority if Democrats regain control of either chamber of Congress. The party points to two pieces of legislation already introduced as potential avenues for inquiry.
Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori argued that Democrats are wasting time by focusing on matters that should be left to others. He described the release of contextless Epstein documents beginning last year as a historic mistake that has created an ethos of guilt by association. Khardori noted that the presumption of innocence has been turned on its head.
Khardori highlighted the suicide of Edward Juul Rod-Larsen in April. The Norwegian man’s family faced questions about their contacts with Epstein despite never being accused of a crime. He wrote that nearly one year after the Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted, the claim that Justice Department files would expose a hidden child sex trafficking ring has not been substantiated.
Rep. James Comer, the Kentucky Republican leading the House Oversight Committee, made two criminal referrals to the Justice Department earlier this year. These referrals were based on testimony from Sarah Kellen, a former Epstein assistant, who accused two men of sexual assault. The Justice Department does not comment on ongoing probes and is not required to act upon congressional referrals.
Lawmakers are also pushing for broader access to records. Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky co-sponsor a follow-up bill that would allow state attorneys general and survivors to sue the department for access to unredacted files. The administration has claimed some documents are too sensitive or privileged to release.
Garcia and Sen. Elizabeth Warren introduced the Epstein Wall Street Records Act. This bill would require regulators to disclose supervisory records related to Epstein and investigate connected banks for possible violations. Democrats have accused at least three major financial institutions of failing to follow anti-money laundering laws regarding Epstein’s accounts.
House Democrats released a report on Monday collecting mentions of Donald Trump in the Epstein file dump. The report includes allegations of sexual abuse and rape. The House Democrats recommended that a special counsel be appointed to investigate these claims.
