Epstein survivors to attend Trump’s State of the Union as guests of Democratic lawmakers

WASHINGTON, DC: A number of survivors linked to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein plan to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Capitol Hill on February 24 as guests of Democratic members of Congress, placing renewed focus on Epstein’s crimes during one of Washington’s highest-profile events.

According to reports, several lawmakers have invited survivors and relatives of victims to highlight issues of accountability and justice as Trump delivers his address.

House Democrats invite Epstein survivors to Trump address

That effort begins with Democratic leadership. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, is bringing Dani Bensky, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, as one of his guests on February 24, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, will also bring a victim, according to a source familiar with his plans.

Rep Ro Khanna, D-Calif, sponsor of the law mandating the Justice Department release its Epstein-related files, will bring Haley Robson, another survivor.

Rep Thomas Massie, R-Ky, who joined Khanna in calling for transparency, estimated that about 10 to 12 victims may attend.

“Haley’s courageous fight is proof that this isn’t about politics, it’s about exposing America’s two-tiered system of justice and bringing accountability to the Epstein class,” Khanna said in a statement.

Sharlene Rochard will attend as a guest of Rep Emily Randall, and Liz Stein as a guest of Rep Teresa Leger Fernandez. Democratic Reps Jamie Raskin and Suhas Subramanyam announced that Sky and Amanda Roberts will be their guests. They are the brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Roberts Giuffre.

Epstein survivors spotlight accountability at Trump State of the Union

The State of the Union address traditionally serves as a platform for presidents to outline policy priorities and legislative goals. However, it has also become an occasion for lawmakers to make statements through the guests they invite.

Democrats and survivors have accused the administration of covering up co-conspirators identified in the FBI’s investigation of Epstein and slow-walking prosecutions.

Massie is bringing his wife as a guest to the president’s address, and Rep Nancy Mace, R-SC, another Republican who has been outspoken about the files, is also not bringing a survivor, a person familiar with the matter said. 

However, both lawmakers said they support the survivors’ attendance.

Some of the lawmakers who are skipping Trump’s address for the rally “People’s State of the Union,” hosted by political advocacy groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch, will share letters on behalf of Epstein survivors. The event will also include people who have been targeted by immigration enforcement, a spokesperson for MoveOn said, along with messaging focused on health care and affordability.