Jeffrey Epstein survivors have criticised Melania Trump after she issued a surprise statement at the White House calling for a public hearing for survivors. The response from the group was sharp, with survivors saying they have already come forward, filed reports and given testimony.
In a statement, the survivors said that asking more of them now is “a deflection of responsibility, not justice.” They argued that the focus should instead remain on former attorney general Pam Bondi, whom they say must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors’ identities.
The survivors also said those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. “Survivors have done their part. Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs,” the statement said.
The comments came amid a wider day of political developments in Washington. House Democrats’ effort to pass a war powers resolution by unanimous consent failed yesterday after the pro forma speaker, Republican Chris Smith, did not recognise Democrats. The attempt was always likely to face obstacles, because opposition from even one member would have forced Democrats to pursue a formal vote.
Although the move is largely symbolic, Democrats in both chambers say they plan to try again once Congress returns from recess next week. On the steps of the US Capitol, House Democrats said they were confident they could win support from at least a couple of Republicans willing to break with party lines.
Trump upbeat on Iran talks
Separately, Donald Trump said he was “very optimistic” that a peace deal with Iran could still be reached. He made the comments to NBC News as a diplomatic delegation led by vice-president JD Vance prepared to head to Pakistan for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the war this weekend.
Trump said Iran’s leaders “talk much differently when you’re at a meeting than they do to the press. They’re much more reasonable,” echoing his administration’s claim that Tehran’s public position differs from what it says in private negotiations.
The remarks, and the pushback from Epstein survivors, added to an already busy political day in Washington, where questions of accountability, diplomacy and congressional strategy were all in focus.
