Democrats Escalate Epstein Case: “We’re Coming for You,” Lawmaker Warns Trump

Washington, D.C. — A senior Democratic lawmaker sharply criticized former President Donald Trump and members of his inner circle on Tuesday, accusing them of helping shield powerful figures connected to the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking scandal.

Speaking to reporters after a congressional oversight hearing, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D–New Mexico) delivered a forceful statement following reports that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate and convicted sex trafficker, refused to testify unless she received assurances of clemency from the Department of Justice.

According to Stansbury, Maxwell remains a key witness with direct knowledge of what she described as “one of the largest sex trafficking and influence-peddling scandals in U.S. history.”

“We Have Serious Questions”

“We have a lot of questions for Ms. Maxwell,” Stansbury said. “Questions about who was directly involved in the sex trafficking, money laundering, and influence-peddling scheme that she and Jeffrey Epstein were involved in — and how Donald Trump may have been involved, including whether crimes were committed by him or his associates.”

Stansbury pointed to recently released Department of Justice documents related to Epstein, claiming that Trump’s name appears extensively in the files.

“Donald Trump is not just mentioned casually,” she said. “He is named thousands of times across DOJ materials — more than 38,000 times in documents released just two weeks ago alone. And those files represent only a portion of what the Department of Justice possesses.”

She emphasized that the remaining documents reportedly include investigative materials tied to alleged perpetrators, co-conspirators, and individuals who had prior knowledge of criminal activity.

Allegations of a Broader Network

Stansbury further alleged that the documents reference dozens of individuals connected to Trump, including political allies, administration officials, and family members.

“We know there are multiple administration officials and associates named in these files,” she said, adding that the list includes figures who held senior government positions or maintained close ties to Trump during and after his presidency.

While she did not present new evidence during the press conference, Stansbury argued that the scope of the names mentioned raises serious questions about accountability at the highest levels of power.

Claims of a Cover-Up

The congresswoman also accused the U.S. government of failing to act decisively compared to other countries.

“There are at least nine or ten countries that have opened investigations or forced leaders to step down simply because of their association with Jeffrey Epstein,” Stansbury said. “Yet here in the United States, we are witnessing what appears to be an active cover-up.”

She suggested that Maxwell’s refusal to testify was part of an effort to negotiate leniency in exchange for silence.

“This was an attempt to secure a pardon by keeping her mouth shut,” she said. “We will not allow that silence to stand.”

“We’re Coming for You”

When asked by a reporter why Epstein-related revelations have triggered political consequences abroad — including potential fallout for British leadership — but have had limited impact on Trump in the U.S., Stansbury placed blame on partisan protection.

“He is being actively shielded by members of his own party,” she responded. “In other countries, lawmakers are demanding accountability. That’s why our message to the American people is clear: accountability matters.”

She concluded with a direct warning aimed at the former president.

“My message to Donald Trump is simple,” Stansbury said. “We’re coming for you. We are not moving on.”

Calls for Transparency

Stansbury and other Democrats insist that Maxwell should not be allowed to trade information for reduced punishment and are renewing calls for the full release of Epstein-related records.

“Release the names,” she said. “Hold everyone accountable — no matter how powerful.”

Trump has previously denied wrongdoing related to Epstein, and his representatives have rejected allegations of involvement. No new criminal charges were announced following the hearing.