CNN political commentator Scott Jennings sparked controversy by arguing that Democrats have lost control of the narrative around Jeffrey Epstein. On a podcast, Jennings said Democratic lawmakers initially tried to shift public attention to Donald Trump — who had known Epstein socially — but that recent revelations have instead implicated prominent Democratic figures. He claimed that the strategy “blew up in their face,” contending that the fallout has revealed more about Epstein’s connections to leading Democrats than to Trump.
Jennings criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who during a House debate referenced a donor named “Jeffrey Epstein” and accused Republicans of benefiting from his money. Crockett later acknowledged that she was referring to someone else with the same name — not the infamous financier. Jennings mocked this, calling her Democrats’ “smartest pick” to reset the story, and said the mistake exposed panic in Democratic leadership, not a coherent plan. According to him, the gaffe underscored that they were trying to revive Trump‑Epstein accusations without solid backing.
He focused especially on former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, citing newly released emails that show he maintained contact with Epstein through 2018–2019, long after Epstein’s earlier conviction. In those messages, Summers reportedly sought Epstein’s advice on romantic matters and discussed personal relationships. These revelations have damaged Summers’ reputation: he stepped down from his OpenAI board role and withdrew from other public commitments.
Jennings also turned to Del. Stacey Plaskett, who is under scrutiny for her exchanges with Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing. Critics suggest Epstein’s communications may have influenced her line of questioning, though Plaskett denies any wrongdoing. Jennings argued her narrow escape from censure reinforced how entangled some Democrats are in the Epstein saga, and how their push to redirect scrutiny might be failing.
In response to the broader controversy, the Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill, signed into law by President Donald Trump, mandates the Justice Department to release unclassified Epstein-related records within a set timeframe. Advocates framed the legislation as a “clearing of the elite class,” aiming for accountability across party lines and reinforcing public demand for transparency.
Taken together, these developments highlight how Epstein’s story has become a political flashpoint. What began as an attempt by some Democrats to shift the spotlight toward Trump is, in Jennings’ view, now backfiring — exposing uncomfortable ties within their own ranks. As Congress prepares to release a trove of Epstein-linked documents, both parties may face renewed scrutiny. The battle over Epstein’s legacy is more than about the past; it’s shaping how political power, influence networks, and accountability are understood today.
