Two women who survived sexual assaults by Jeffrey Epstein have made an urgent appeal to Congress, demanding the immediate release of all remaining files related to the convicted sex trafficker from the US Justice Department. Their powerful message comes as political momentum builds for full transparency in the controversial case.
Bipartisan Breakthrough in Document Release
In a significant development that could force disclosure of thousands of hidden documents, newly sworn-in Representative Adelita Grijalva from Arizona provided the crucial 218th signature needed to bypass Republican leadership. Just moments after taking her congressional oath on Wednesday, Grijalva signed the petition that will force a floor vote demanding the Epstein documents be made public.
"This is just the beginning," declared Grijalva, emphasizing that the recent release of approximately 20,000 pages of emails and investigative material represents merely "the tip of the iceberg." Her decisive action demonstrates growing bipartisan concern about the extent of Epstein's trafficking network and its powerful connections.
Survivors Speak Out Against Political Manipulation
During an emotional interview with NBC News on Thursday, survivors Liz Stein and Jess Michaels delivered their powerful testimony, joined by Representative Grijalva. Both women stressed the critical need for sustained public attention on what they describe as an ongoing justice struggle.
"We need the American people to not stop putting the pressure on," Michaels implored. "We can't stop... because it's only one tiny victory." Her words underscore the fragile nature of recent progress and the constant battle survivors face in seeking accountability.
Stein acknowledged the bipartisan support they've received, stating, "Those who voted to stand with us are on the right side of this issue." However, she strongly cautioned against political weaponization of their cause, particularly referencing recent attempts to connect the case to former President Donald Trump.
Emotional Toll and Continuing Trauma
The survivors described the profound emotional impact of repeatedly reliving their trauma as new information surfaces. Michaels revealed, "The emotional and physical response doesn't stop. We're talking because we don't want anyone to have to go through what we're going through right now."
Their appeal comes amid heightened political tensions following the House Oversight Committee's release of emails where Epstein allegedly claimed Trump "knew about the girls." While Trump has denied involvement and faces no charges related to Epstein, Stein emphasized that the focus should remain on the crime itself rather than political affiliations.
"The Trump administration is really politicizing something that has no place being politicized," Stein asserted. "Even if your political values don't align, dial this back and look at it as the crime of human trafficking."
Regarding Epstein's connection to Trump, Stein added, "I don't think anybody was surprised about their friendship... These emails gave some new insight into what that might have looked like."
Grijalva directly addressed claims from Trump administration officials dismissing the newly released documents as a Democratic "hoax," pointing out the contradiction in Trump's own campaign promises. "It's not a hoax if you can point to victims," she countered. "This is not an issue Democrats ran on. Trump did."
The survivors' courageous public stance represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to uncover the full truth about Epstein's extensive trafficking network and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable, regardless of their political power or social status.
