Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) pulled no punches as he accused the Trump administration of shielding powerful figures, including President Donald Trump, connected to Jeffrey Epstein, stating that the United States is failing to uphold its commitment to equal justice under the law.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday with Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gallego said influential figures abroad—including royalty and corporate leaders—have faced scrutiny, while comparable accountability has not materialized yet in the United States. He contended that Republicans, alongside Trump and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, are protecting members of what he described as an “Epstein class” of wealthy and well-connected individuals.
Gallego pointed to reporting from the New York Times about sexual assault allegations against the president stemming from claims made by a woman who was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents. He said the public deserves a full accounting of who was involved, emphasizing that many of the men named in various allegations still remain at large and in positions of influence.
“The fact that this administration is actively covering up past crimes,” Gallego said, “potentially means they are covering up current crimes.” He further added, “It’s time for us to have full transparency. It’s time for us to have accountability. It’s time for us to throw some people in jail that did some really horrible stuff against kids in this country.”
Gallego On The ‘Epstein Class’: ‘We Have To Take The Step To Keep Them Accountable’
Gallego framed the issue as one of transparency and accountability, calling for the full release of records and consequences for anyone found to have committed crimes against the children involved in the disgraced financier’s sex trafficking ring.
After years of rhetoric about cracking down on sexual exploitation and going after pedophiles, Gallego pointed out, Trump and Republicans are now doing the complete opposite by concealing information and actively covering for them. “The fact that Donald Trump and the Republicans, after talking a big game for so many years, about going after pedophiles are actively covering up pedophiles right now should tell you exactly what is wrong with this administration.”
Gallego said he plans to review the redacted files personally in the coming days, acknowledging that the material is likely to be disturbing but insisting that oversight is necessary. The goal, he said, is to expose wrongdoing and ensure that those who remain in power are not beyond the reach of the law.
