The ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein has reached the Pennsylvania statehouse, with Rep. Nate Davidson, D-Lemoyne, calling for the release of federal documents tied to the late financier’s crimes and connections.
Demands for transparency in the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein’s case have been rising from both Democrats and Republicans. Davidson said that the thousands of still-concealed documents continue to erode trust in government and deny survivors the justice they deserve.
“Survivors of sexual abuse by some of the world’s most powerful people have been denied justice and silenced for too long,” Davidson said. “Despite public pressure from across the political spectrum, thousands of pages in legal documents filed against disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain concealed, allowing the truth to stay hidden.”
The issue has proven resilient, with repeated headlines failing to distract lawmakers or the public. While campaigning, President Donald Trump made unveiling the Epstein scandal part of his platform, pledging to make the details public. Since his election, however, the administration has offered conflicting messages. Attorney General Pam Bondi at one point claimed a “client list” was on her desk, but later said it did not exist.
As scrutiny grew, press reports highlighted Trump’s past friendship with Epstein, including an alleged note written for Epstein’s 50th birthday. Trump denied the note’s authenticity and filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. He has insisted that he severed ties with Epstein years ago after Epstein was accused of recruiting employees from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Survivors have criticized the administration, accusing it of a “cover-up.” Earlier this month, they joined lawmakers from both parties on Capitol Hill to demand transparency. “The truth is, Epstein had a free pass. He bragged about his powerful friends, including our current president, Donald Trump. It was his biggest brag, actually,” survivor Chauntae Davies said.
Despite bipartisan calls for disclosure, Republicans in Congress ultimately blocked measures to release the files. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., shut down the House on the issue, even as his party attempted to maintain unity while also facing divisions over U.S. policy on Israel.
Davidson urged Pennsylvanians to rally around the demand for disclosure, citing the state’s past efforts to confront abuse in the Catholic Church and strengthen protections for victims.
“By demanding the release of the Epstein Files, we can continue working toward eradicating sexual violence and show that no one is above the law,” Davidson said. “The continued concealment of these files erodes public trust in government, a point of agreement for people across the country and on both sides of the aisle.”
