As European heads roll from Epstein links, US fallout muted
France 24
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The arrest of Prince Andrew has highlighted a striking disparity between Europe and the United States in their responses to connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender. While European countries have seen high-profile individuals held accountable for their ties to Epstein, the U.S. response remains muted, with only one person, Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted so far. Maxwell, Epstein's former partner, is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in facilitating his abuse of young girls. Despite Epstein's extensive global network of influential associates, including former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, no other prominent figures have faced legal consequences in the U.S.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche recently stated that the Justice Department has reviewed Epstein-related files and found no basis for further prosecutions. This claim has drawn criticism from lawmakers, who argue that the lack of accountability undermines trust in the justice system. Many believe that powerful individuals connected to Epstein have escaped responsibility, with one Republican lawmaker calling it "shameful" that the U.S. has done less than Britain in pursuing justice. The release of Epstein's files has damaged the reputations of several high-profile figures and raised concerns about systemic issues in holding the elite accountable.
The lack of prosecutions in the U.S. has also fueled public distrust in political and business leaders, with a recent poll showing that 53% of Americans believe the files have lowered their trust in these groups. Additionally, 69% agree that the files demonstrate a pattern of powerful individuals avoiding accountability. While no new legal actions are expected, the fallout continues to impact reputations, with figures like former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers stepping down from prominent roles following revelations about their ties to Epstein.
The contrasting responses between Europe and the U.S. underscore broader concerns about justice and transparency in America's legal system. The lack of accountability for Epstein's associates has left many questioning whether a "nation of laws" truly exists when the powerful appear to operate with impunity. This issue resonates globally, particularly among those interested in how justice systems handle cases involving influential individuals.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026