Fact Check: Is Nancy Mace and Anna Paulina Luna's claim Epstein victims exonerated Trump true?

CHAPPAQUA, NEW YORK: Amid the controversies surrounding the release of a new tranche of files related to the convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein by the Department of Justice, Republican representatives Nancy Mace and Anna Paulina Luna have claimed that the victims have exonerated President Donald Trump. Let us fact-check the controversial claim.

Claim: Epstein victims exonerated Donald Trump

Outside the venue where former President Bill Clinton was questioned by the House Oversight Committee over his ties with Epstein, Nancy Mace told the media, “Epstein victims have exonerated President Trump." 

"This is a trope, a rabbit hole that you guys have been going down, but he's been exonerated over and over again by Epstein victims."

A reporter, in turn, dismissed the statement, stating, “All they have ever told me is they want to see him questioned,” to which Mace replied, “I've never heard that from a single victim." 

Mace’s Republican colleague, Rep. Luna, echoed her statement that Epstein survivors see the president as being in the clear.

Fact Check: The claim contradicts multiple Epstein survivors' public statements

However, the claim conflicts with multiple Epstein survivors' public statements who want Trump questioned and related files released. There is no public evidence available that Trump has been exonerated.

Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, told Sky News: "Trump has certainly not been exonerated. There is evidence, and there are investigative leads that need to be looked into."

"Just because a survivor doesn't raise a hand in a group setting doesn't mean that they didn't experience or witness harm. It means that safety and defamation are extremely real fears."

"To suggest Trump is exonerated is an insult to survivors and speaks to the continued failures of the DoJ [Department of Justice] to follow the investigative leads that are in front of them."

Jess Michaels, an Epstein survivor, posted on Threads: "Rep Luna did not meet with all 1200+ victims from an over 30-year time span. WE, as a collective, have not cleared President Trump of wrongdoing. He IS a person of interest. He should testify. ‘Signed ~ an Epstein survivor.”

Bill Clinton denies knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes

The statement was made outside the Chappaqua Performing Arts Centre, where Bill Clinton was testifying.

Clinton said on Friday, February 27, that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and did not witness any misconduct during their limited interactions, according to his prepared opening statement to the House Oversight Committee.

Clinton said his acquaintance with Epstein was brief and ended years before the crimes became public.