Republican report faults federal government for failing to hold Epstein accountable

The Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee released a report after a 15-month investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, faulting the federal government for decades of failing to hold Epstein accountable, according to wxxinews.org.

The investigation involved interviews with 19 people, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Many interviews were conducted behind closed doors with transcripts released later.

The report stated that Epstein operated with impunity, shielded by powerful connections and a justice system that repeatedly failed his victims. It also found no evidence implicating President Donald Trump in Epstein's crimes and accused Democrats of launching an unfounded witch hunt against Trump.

Democrats, who will take control of the House in January, criticized the report as partisan. Incoming committee chair Rep. Robert Garcia called for real public hearings to uplift survivors and question powerful men associated with Epstein, including Trump.

Epstein was arrested on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019 and died in prison by suicide, authorities determined. Trump has maintained he had a falling out with Epstein before Epstein's 2006 indictment for soliciting prostitution.

The report highlights ongoing political divisions over the investigation and oversight of Epstein's crimes and associates.