Trump Criticized by Epstein Survivor Over 'Dismissive' Remarks

Danielle Bensky says she's unsurprised by the president's comments on the arrest of Prince Andrew.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump was criticized by a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, Danielle Bensky, for making "dismissive" comments about the case during a recent press conference. Bensky appeared on CNN to discuss Trump's remarks, in which he said the arrest of Prince Andrew is "bad for the Royal Family" and that he's the "one who can talk about" Epstein because he was "totally exonerated." Bensky described Trump's response as emblematic of the administration's "glossing over of survivors and lack of empathy."

Why it matters

Epstein's crimes and the subsequent fallout have been a major political issue, with many survivors and advocates calling for greater accountability from those in power. Trump's dismissive comments about the case are seen as insensitive to the victims and reflective of a broader pattern of the administration downplaying such issues.

The details

During a press gaggle on Air Force One, Trump said the arrest of Prince Andrew is "bad for the Royal Family" and claimed he's the "one who can talk about" Epstein because he was "totally exonerated." In response, Epstein survivor Danielle Bensky appeared on CNN and described Trump's remarks as "dismissive," saying she "wish[es] [she] were surprised" given the administration's history of "glossing over of survivors and lack of empathy."

  • On February 20, 2026, Trump made the comments about Epstein and Prince Andrew during a press conference on Air Force One.
  • Also on February 20, 2026, Danielle Bensky appeared on CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront" to criticize Trump's remarks.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who made dismissive comments about the Epstein case.

Danielle Bensky

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes who appeared on CNN to criticize Trump's remarks as insensitive to victims.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Formerly known as Prince Andrew, he was recently arrested in connection with the Epstein case.

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What they’re saying

“I wish I were surprised, to be honest. It's what we've seen time and time again from this administration, this glossing over of survivors and this lack of empathy and really thinking these places of power and these positions of power being the only things that matter.”

— Danielle Bensky, Epstein Survivor (CNN)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around the Epstein case and the perceived lack of concern for survivors from the Trump administration. It underscores the need for greater sensitivity and accountability when addressing issues of sexual abuse and exploitation, especially from those in positions of power.