For over six months, Donald Trump and his Justice Department have claimed they would thoroughly investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. However, nine attorneys representing around 50 of Epstein’s survivors told the Guardian they have not been contacted recently by the Justice Department.
This raises doubts about the Trump administration’s commitment to fully investigating Epstein’s activities and disclosing all government information about him. The issue is especially sensitive for Trump, who faces political pressure—including from his own supporters—over his past social connections to Epstein, known for associating with wealthy and influential figures.
Gloria Allred, a prominent civil attorney who has represented 27 survivors, said, “There has still been no outreach from the DoJ or members of Congress to interview my clients.” Lisa Bloom, who represents 11 survivors, added, “No, haven’t heard anything. As usual, the survivors are being ignored in the political battle.”
Spencer Kuvin, chief legal officer of Goldlaw, also reported no contact from law enforcement or Congress. Although the House oversight committee has issued subpoenas related to Epstein and met with some victims this week, the documents released so far contained little new information.
Kuvin stated, “I have heard nothing from the DoJ and they have provided me no updates for my clients. I even sent a letter to the committee chair offering to discuss the original investigation, but it was ignored. It is appalling that the federal government is again failing to prioritize the victims. Instead, it seems they are only interested in whitewashing the prior investigation.”
Jennifer Freeman, special counsel at Marsh Law Firm, who represents survivor Maria Farmer in a lawsuit against the federal government, criticized the lack of outreach. She pointed to the lengthy discussion between Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, saying, “It is atrocious that the DoJ ignored survivors for decades—and recently, the second in command spent two days coddling Maxwell with soft questions instead of conducting a real investigation.”
Freeman also noted that the Justice Department has obstructed routine information requests, citing a Freedom of Information Act response that promised answers nearly three years later, calling it “abysmal and completely unacceptable.”
Attorney Jack Scarola said his last contact with the DoJ was during the Maxwell trial while representing Carolyn Andriano, a key witness who died of a drug overdose in May 2023. Another attorney simply stated, “Not a word from the DoJ.”
This absence of communication contradicts repeated public promises by Trump and his administration to conduct a full and transparent investigation into Epstein.
In February, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi asserted, “This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and exposing the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators.” She announced the release of some documents as a first step toward accountability. However, that release sparked ongoing controversy rather than resolving questions.During the presidency, the released Epstein documents mostly contained information that was already public. The disclosure did not include the alleged client list that has long been sought by right-wing conspiracy theorists, who believe it would reveal Epstein’s collaboration with high-profile individuals in trafficking underage girls.
In July, Bondi announced that her department and the FBI would not release additional files, claiming no such client list exists, which sparked further outrage. It was later reported that Bondi informed Trump his name appeared multiple times in the Epstein files, dealing another political blow to the president.
The Justice Department appeared to engage in extensive damage control, requesting the release of grand jury transcripts from Epstein’s criminal cases and Maxwell’s proceedings. Legal experts noted these transcripts would likely contain little new information, and the requests were ultimately denied.
In late July, Blanche interviewed Maxwell, who had assisted Epstein in his crimes. Shortly after, Maxwell was transferred to a low-security prison camp, angering victims. The Justice Department released transcripts of the Maxwell interview on August 22, but the questioning did not appear to probe deeply into key issues, particularly those related to Trump or his associates, failing to satisfy demands for more information.
There was also a notable lack of outreach to victims, which contrasts with standard investigative practices. Attorneys emphasized that engaging survivors is essential in criminal investigations of sexual offenders and other serious crimes.
Eric Faddis, a trial attorney and former prosecutor, stated that law enforcement should prioritize contacting victims or their attorneys to gather firsthand information, which is often more reliable and comprehensive than accounts from accomplices. He explained that while accomplices may provide insights, their testimony can be biased or self-serving, whereas victims typically have no incentive to fabricate details.
Lindsay M. Goldbrum, a partner at Goddard Law, highlighted the importance of a survivor-centered approach, noting that proactive, trauma-informed outreach from law enforcement is critical. Failure to engage survivors can discourage participation and undermine trust in the process.
When asked about victim outreach, the Justice Department declined to comment.
Epstein survivors continue to advocate for transparency and justice outside official channels. Several recently expressed support for a bipartisan resolution to release all Epstein-related files. Survivors have also taken legal action against the U.S. government for federal law enforcement’s failure to act against Epstein two decades ago.
Jennifer Plotkin and Jordan Merson of Merson Law, representing 33 survivors, are pursuing a civil case in this matter.A lawsuit was filed over federal law enforcement’s failure to act on allegations against Epstein when survivors first came forward 20 years ago. The Trump administration’s Department of Justice has sought to dismiss the case.
“The FBI refuses to take responsibility and continues to fight against the dozens of Epstein victims we represent,” Plotkin said. “Why is the FBI opposing these women when it accepted responsibility in the Larry Nassar case? The government claims it wants to move forward, yet it remains adversarial instead of showing sympathy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the claim that no contact has been made with Jeffrey Epsteins victims regarding a Trump investigation presented in a clear and natural tone
General Beginner Questions
1 What is this story about
This story is about lawyers for Jeffrey Epsteins victims stating that despite a public promise from former President Donald Trump to investigate the Epstein case no one from his team or associated investigators has reached out to the victims for their testimony or evidence
2 Who is Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier who was accused of sexually abusing and trafficking numerous underage girls He was arrested in 2019 and died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial
3 What was Trumps promise
During his presidency Donald Trump stated that his administration would look into the Epstein case to ensure that all coconspirators involved in Epsteins sex trafficking ring were brought to justice
4 So has Trumps team contacted any victims
According to attorneys representing multiple victims no they have not been contacted by any investigators working on behalf of Trump or his promised investigation
Intermediate Detailed Questions
5 Why would contacting victims be an important part of an investigation
Victims are primary sources of evidence Their firsthand accounts are crucial for understanding the full scope of the crimes identifying other perpetrators and building a strong legal case against anyone involved
6 Who exactly is saying that no contact was made
Prominent lawyers who represent groups of Epsteins victims such as Bradley Edwards and Spencer Kuvin have publicly stated that they and their clients have received no outreach from any investigation connected to Trumps promise
7 Does this mean there was no investigation at all
Not necessarily It could mean that an investigation was started but did not prioritize witness testimony that it focused on other aspects or that it was not pursued with significant resources However failing to contact key witnesses is seen by legal experts as a major shortcoming for any serious investigation
8 Werent other authorities already investigating Epstein
Yes The FBI and the Department of Justice were conducting their own extensive investigations into Epsteins network which have led to charges against associates like Ghislaine Maxwell This raises questions about the need for a separate parallel investigation
Advanced Critical Thinking Questions
