The Epstein files are a voluminous and ominous body of evidence spanning decades of alleged criminal acts. The Department of Justice acknowledges the total collection includes an estimated 6 million pages, along with 180,000 images and 2,000 videos. To date, only a fraction of these documents — roughly 3.5 million pages — have been released to the public, a move forced by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A report from a group of independent United Nations human rights experts cites evidence that could amount to sexual slavery, reproductive violence, enforced disappearance, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and femicide. They warned that these files could hide “some of the gravest crimes under international law.”
The most visible and relentless fight has been for justice for the young victims, and rightfully so. However, there may also be evidence of extortion, money laundering, and other financial crimes. The pages consist of everything from email chains, bank statements and flight logs. There is ample evidence to make the case.
Maybe this is why everything Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters have done in the last year gets labeled as a distraction from the Epstein files — from unleashing ICE on cities like Minneapolis to threatening to make Greenland a U.S. territory, bullying late-night show hosts and taking military actions against eight sovereign countries. The head-spinning list of dealings labeled as “distractions” goes on and on.
I cannot say that all the spontaneous actions of Trump and his administration are solely aimed at avoiding the revelations within the Epstein files. Some of these actions reflect the typical functions of U.S. capitalism; they are simply amplified and more aggressive under the Trump administration.
It is unlikely that the complete files — properly redacted — will ever see the light of day. Additionally, we have observed the Department of Justice’s unwillingness to investigate individuals and institutions connected to Epstein’s “den of sin.”
In Britain, however, investigations and prosecutions are advancing, reflecting a lower tolerance for such depravity. Former British Ambassador Peter Mandelson has been arrested, and Prince Andrew has been stripped of his HRH status and official duties.
Justice-seeking citizens in this country must fight for the full disclosure of the Epstein files and demand the prosecution of all guilty parties, regardless of wealth or status. Simultaneously, we must find every way possible to document this decadent chapter of history so that these shameless co-conspirators are judged in the court of public opinion.
Forever.
Jamala Rogers is an opinion writer and one of the founding members of the Organization for Black Struggle, based in St. Louis.