Congressman criticizes media for omitting Trump’s name in recently released Epstein documents

House Democrats convened on Tuesday to discuss President Joe Biden’s candidacy, but one lawmaker raised concerns about media focus, questioning why the press has largely overlooked recently released Florida court documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

“At this news conference today, we’ve heard a lot from our constituents on various issues, but one thing I’m hearing that doesn’t seem to be getting covered are the Epstein files,” remarked Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA).

Lieu highlighted that the documents prominently feature Donald Trump, including photographs and allegations of rape by minors, which have gained traction on social media under the hashtag #TrumpPedoFiles.

“By the way, Trump was found guilty in civil court of sexual assault and convicted in state court on 34 felony counts. Donald Trump should withdraw from the race,” Lieu asserted.

The release of these documents by Circuit Judge Luis Delgado just before the Fourth of July has sparked significant public interest. “The grand jury testimony details behavior ranging from highly inappropriate to rape—all of it sexually deviant, abhorrent, and criminal,” Judge Delgado wrote in his decision.

Joseph Abruzzo, Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts, had pursued the release of these records for three years. According to The Washington Post, Abruzzo emphasized the public and victims’ desire for transparency regarding Epstein’s lenient legal treatment despite allegations involving numerous underage girls and women over decades.

The documents also reveal frequent phone calls between Trump and Epstein from 2004 to 2006. Former Miami U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta, who later served as Trump’s labor secretary, approved a controversial plea deal where Epstein pleaded guilty to lesser state charges, avoiding federal prosecution.

Insider’s Jacob Shamsian suggested that Trump might be the figure referred to as “Doe 174,” citing comments such as “I wish her well” regarding Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, now serving a lengthy prison term.

District Judge Loretta A. Preska balanced privacy concerns of the 200 individuals referenced in the documents, noting that Doe 174 had been widely reported on.

“The transcripts, which include depositions from Ransome, Giuffre, and Epstein’s former housekeeper Juan Alessi, shed light on Epstein’s relationships with celebrities and influential figures, making it clear where Trump fits into the narrative,” Insider reported.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide while in custody in 2019.