Although President Donald Trump has made an effort to divert attention away from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, his agenda is being overshadowed by growing calls for their public release, including from his supporters.
Epstein, a rich businessman and alleged sexual offender, was connected to business executives, Trump, Bill Clinton, and monarchy. Trump claims that he and he had a falling out, yet they were previously pals.
Epstein was accused of sex trafficking kids in July 2019. He was discovered dead in his New York jail cell a few weeks later, and it was determined that he had hanged himself. Since then, conspiracy theories have proliferated, leading to demands for the complete release of FBI files and sealed court records. Additionally, congressional Democrats have pushed for the release of thousands of records.
When Attorney General Pam Bondi stated in February that she had a list of Epstein’s clients pending investigation, it stoked rumors. She and the FBI stated this month that there is no client list and no proof to refute Epstein’s suicide.
At cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer, we questioned the editorial board: Is it time to move on or should additional information be revealed?
What they said was as follows:
Leila Atassi, manager of advocacy and public interest:
Without answers, the American public shouldn’t be asked to move on. Conspiracy theories proliferate and public trust in government transparency declines daily as the Epstein files remain secret. The only way to protect the innocent, hold the guilty accountable, and distinguish fact from rumor is through full disclosure. Make the information public.
Ted Diadiun, writer of columns:
It’s hard to know what to believe, as is the case with most things Trump. What about the Wall Street Journal story about his birthday card, which he denies? Nothing we don’t know is revealed by it. Trump is rough and unpolished. He also tells lies. Regarding the file, wouldn’t it have been made public under Joe Biden’s administration if it included genuinely incriminating evidence? Go on: There are more significant issues to be concerned about.
Mary Cay Doherty, member of the editorial board:
Moving on is long overdue. However, when President Trump provides for Americans, Democrats in particular get desperate. Iran has destroyed its nuclear program. There is control over the southern border. So far, tariffs have produced income rather than a slump. Inflation is declining as the stock market is rising. In the meantime, Democrats would have undoubtedly used similar tactic in 2024 if those files had the potential to harm Trump. Furthermore, their platform issues won’t be resolved by pointless Epstein case investigations.
Columnist Eric Foster:
To be honest, I have no interest in the Epstein tale at all. The fact that Netflix real crime documentary subjects like these are at the top of our ruling political parties’ agendas is a reflection of the times we live in. Regardless, this is just another falsehood from Trump. People are looking for the one lie that will expose Trump as a liar to his fans. This isn’t it.
Lisa Garvin, member of the editorial board:
The Epstein papers were searched by a thousand FBI agents for mentions of Trump. Ghislane Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker seeking a pardon, was interviewed by the deputy attorney general. These are only two of the several reasons why I don’t think the files will be released with the unredacted truth in them. There is no doubt that Trump is afraid of what it holds. For me, that is sufficient evidence.
Victor Ruiz, member of the editorial board:
The Hillary Clinton email-gate issue, which now appears insignificant in contrast, is what this situation reminds me of. There was a powerful movement at the time calling for accountability and the truth. Hopefully, the same energy is present now. This is a serious matter that requires openness. He shouldn’t have any concerns if he is innocent. What justification will his fans provide for their steadfast allegiance if he is on the list?
Editorial writer Thomas Suddes:
No, the investigation into Mr. Trump’s connections to Mr. Epstein and Epstein’s illegal sexual exploitation of minors should not end just yet. Although it hasn’t been proven yet, it’s very clear that Epstein’s development of powerful and affluent acquaintances, including former friend Donald Trump, was an espionage operation conducted against or on behalf of foreign or American national spy services. The truth is owed to voters.Do you have any thoughts on this subject?
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* Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, can be reached by email at [email protected] with general inquiries about our editorial board, comments, or corrections regarding this Editorial Board Roundtable.
