Dems Say DOJ ‘Illegally’ Buried Epstein Files Related to Allegation Against Trump

Rolling Stone

by Ryan Bort

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Democrats are investigating claims that the Justice Department "illegally" withheld files related to an allegation of sexual assault against former President Donald Trump by a minor. Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, announced the investigation after reviewing unredacted evidence logs at the DOJ. The files reportedly include over 50 pages of FBI interviews with the accuser, who alleged that Trump forced her to perform oral sex in 1983 when she was 13 or 14 years old and hit her when she resisted. Despite claims by the Justice Department that nothing was deleted, Democrats argue that this constitutes a cover-up. The Epstein scandal has long been a cultural flashpoint, with questions swirling around Trump's alleged ties to the convicted sex offender. While no public evidence directly links Trump to Epstein's sex trafficking ring, the files reportedly mention his name thousands of times and include other unsubstantiated allegations against him and other prominent figures. Democrats are using this moment to push for transparency, especially ahead of Trump's State of the Union address. Some plan to wear lapel pins calling for the full release of the files, with Rep. Ro Khanna bringing a survivor of Epstein's abuse as his guest. Survivors like Haley Robson and Virginia Giuffre have become central figures in this fight for justice. Their stories highlight the broader struggle for accountability in cases involving powerful individuals. The issue has also drawn bipartisan attention, with Republicans like Rep. Nancy Mace supporting the release of the files and wearing a pin honoring Epstein's victim. This cross-party collaboration underscores the cultural significance of the case, which goes beyond politics to touch on issues of power, justice, and survivor rights. The DOJ's handling of the files has raised concerns about whether the government prioritized protecting powerful figures over serving truth and justice. Survivors and their advocates are calling for a shift in how such cases are handled, emphasizing that no one should be above the law. As the investigation unfolds, the outcome could set a precedent for transparency and accountability in similar cases involving high-profile individuals. This cultural moment is not just about Epstein or Trump—it's about whether America chooses to confront its past and build a future where survivors are heard and the powerful are held accountable.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/24/2026