House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has accused House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ campaign of soliciting funds from Jeffrey Epstein, citing a 2013 email inviting Epstein to a Democratic fundraiser. The message, discovered in newly released documents, reportedly encouraged Epstein to “get to know” Jeffries and participate in efforts to build a Democratic majority. Comer framed the email as evidence that Democratic fundraisers actively sought Epstein’s involvement despite his criminal history, raising questions about political engagement with controversial donors.
The email in question, sent on May 7, 2013, originated from Lisa Rossi of consulting firm Dynamic SRG and was forwarded by Epstein aide Lesley Groff. It described Jeffries as a rising Democratic “star” and encouraged Epstein to attend a DCCC/DSCC dinner with then-President Obama. The invitation occurred roughly five years after Epstein pleaded guilty to offenses involving a minor, highlighting the sensitive nature of soliciting involvement from a convicted sex offender. While Epstein had previously donated to multiple Democrats, Federal Election Commission records indicate he made no contributions to Jeffries or the Democratic committees at that time.
The release of this email comes as Republicans on the Oversight Committee unveiled over 20,000 newly disclosed Epstein-related documents. The timing coincides with congressional action requiring the Justice Department to release additional Epstein case files, a measure passed overwhelmingly by the House and approved automatically by the Senate. President Donald Trump has indicated he will sign the legislation, despite last-minute proposed revisions by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Under the law, the Justice Department is required to provide the files within 30 days, with redactions to protect victims, marking a significant step in congressional oversight and public transparency regarding Epstein’s criminal network.
Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the Republican commitment to ensuring transparency while safeguarding those harmed by Epstein. He argued that Democrats, despite having access to the files during the Biden administration, showed little interest in pursuing public disclosure at the time. Johnson suggested that their current calls for transparency are politically motivated, designed to advance partisan narratives rather than genuinely seek justice or accountability for Epstein’s victims. His statements framed the disclosure effort as a continuation of Republicans’ broader agenda to hold the former Justice Department accountable.
Johnson also criticized Democrats for neglecting other pressing national issues while suddenly focusing on the Epstein investigation. He cited the border crisis, inflation, and questions regarding President Biden’s health as areas where Democrats allegedly failed to engage constructively over the past four years. By contrasting past inaction with current enthusiasm, Johnson reinforced the argument that the renewed attention to Epstein files is selective and strategically timed, positioning Republicans as champions of transparency and accountability in contrast to what they describe as partisan opportunism.
Overall, the combination of newly released documents, congressional legislation, and public statements underscores a heightened focus on Epstein’s political connections and the disclosure of related materials. The email involving Jeffries illustrates how political campaigns navigated interactions with controversial figures, while the Justice Department’s mandated release of files promises greater insight into Epstein’s network and potential failures in oversight. The controversy continues to draw sharp partisan lines, highlighting broader debates over transparency, political accountability, and the interplay between high-profile criminal cases and partisan politics in Washington.
