WASHINGTON — The ongoing saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case has erupted into fresh controversy on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers from both parties spar with the FBI and the Trump administration over the handling—and possible concealment—of crucial investigative files. Over the past week, a series of heated hearings and depositions have cast new light on the government’s response to one of America’s most infamous sex trafficking scandals, with allegations, denials, and political finger-pointing dominating the discourse.
At the center of the storm is FBI Director Kash Patel, who faced two days of intense grilling before the House Judiciary Committee on September 17 and 18, 2025. According to The Canadian Press, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky made a bombshell claim during the hearing: that the FBI possesses documents naming at least 20 men as clients of Epstein, including a “Hollywood producer worth a few hundred million dollars,” several high-profile entertainers, a banker, and “at least six billionaires, including a billionaire from Canada.” Massie told the committee, “According to the victims who co-operated with the FBI in that investigation, these documents in FBI possession—your possession—detail at least 20 men.” He went on to say, “I don’t know exactly who the men are but the FBI does.”
Pressed for answers, Director Patel testified that he had not seen the documents Massie referenced and maintained that the FBI is “reviewing the Epstein files,” but that “there have been no new materials brought to me launching a new indictment.” He further insisted, “There is no evidence Epstein trafficked underage girls to anyone but himself.” The FBI National Press Office declined to comment, and the New York Public Affairs office directed inquiries to public documents.
Thousands of pages of Epstein-related documents have already been released through civil lawsuits and committee disclosures earlier this year, yet the most explosive allegations—naming alleged clients—remain unsubstantiated in the public record. As CNN reported, no Canadian had been directly linked to Epstein’s case prior to Massie’s recent allegation. Law enforcement has not implicated any individuals spotted in Epstein’s flight logs or other documents in criminal activity.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, whose past friendship with Epstein has long been a source of scrutiny, has repeatedly denied any involvement in sex trafficking and now dismisses the ongoing controversy as a “Democratic hoax.” According to The Canadian Press, Trump has claimed his signature was forged on a sexually suggestive letter given to Epstein for his 50th birthday—a letter recently released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee after being handed over by the Epstein estate. During the House Judiciary hearing, Patel indicated the FBI might investigate the authenticity of the letter, responding to Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz’s questioning by saying, “Sure, I’ll do it.” It remains unclear, however, whether a formal probe will proceed.
The political ramifications of the Epstein files have reverberated throughout both major parties. Democrats have seized on the administration’s decision in July not to release any more investigative files, accusing officials of a cover-up. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland sharply questioned Patel, asking, “How did you go from being a crusader for accountability and transparency for the Epstein files to being a part of the conspiracy and coverup?” Patel, for his part, repeatedly defended the FBI’s actions, insisting that all files “legally allowed” to be released had been made public and citing judges’ rulings that denied Justice Department requests to unseal grand jury transcripts. He pointed out, however, that these rulings do not prevent the release of other investigative files.
During the same period, the House Oversight Committee has continued its probe into the Epstein case, with particular focus on the controversial 2008 plea deal negotiated by former US Attorney Alexander Acosta. On September 19, Acosta appeared voluntarily before the committee for a closed-door deposition expected to last six hours, according to CNN. Acosta, who later served as Trump’s Secretary of Labor, resigned in 2019 amid renewed scrutiny of the plea deal after Epstein’s arrest on new sex trafficking charges and subsequent suicide in federal custody. The Miami Herald once described Acosta’s agreement as the “deal of a lifetime,” allowing Epstein to avoid federal trial and serve just 13 months in prison for state prostitution charges involving underage girls.
As the committee presses forward, it has subpoenaed high-profile Democratic and Republican figures, received two batches of documents from Epstein’s estate—including letters gifted to Epstein for his 50th birthday—and is working with the Treasury Department to review certain bank activity reports. The committee has also met with Epstein abuse survivors, seeking to ensure their voices are heard amid the political tumult. Notably, subpoenas for former Attorneys General Alberto Gonzalez and Jeff Sessions were withdrawn after both men attested under oath that they had no relevant information for the investigation.
Partisan tensions have run high throughout the hearings. Democrats, frustrated by the lack of new disclosures and what they see as stonewalling, have clashed repeatedly with Patel and other Trump administration officials. In one heated exchange, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California pressed Patel about whether he had informed Attorney General Pam Bondi that Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files. When Patel did not immediately answer, Swalwell asked again, prompting Patel to retort, “Why don’t you try to spell it out if you’re going to mock me? Use the alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F.” Later, Patel fired back, “I’m going to borrow your terminology and call (expletive) on your entire career. You have been a disgrace to the American people.”
Republicans, meanwhile, have largely defended the administration’s handling of the case. Some have sought to redirect attention to other issues, such as the long-concluded federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election—a probe Trump has derided as a “hoax.” Patel confirmed that the FBI continues to investigate aspects of the Russia inquiry, including media leaks and the handling of sensitive documents, though it remains unclear whether any charges will result.
In an unexpected moment of bipartisan praise, Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee commended the FBI’s participation in Operation Viper, a law enforcement initiative in Memphis that Trump and Governor Bill Lee announced would be bolstered by National Guard troops. “You did a good job. The police director and the mayor have told me that has been helpful, the FBI working with the police,” Cohen said, highlighting the complex interplay of crime, politics, and federal oversight in America’s cities.
As the dust settles from a week of contentious hearings and high-stakes testimony, the fate of the so-called Epstein files—and the identities of those who may be named within—remains as murky as ever. Lawmakers continue to spar over transparency, accountability, and the legacy of one of the most troubling chapters in recent American history, while the public waits for answers that may never fully come.
