Epstein Survivors Criticize Melania Trump's Statement, Demand Accountability from Bondi

Survivors say Melania's denial 'diverts attention' from former AG Pam Bondi's handling of Epstein files

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:04pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows obscuring details, conveying a sense of political unease and unresolved questions.The Epstein scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the political establishment, with survivors demanding accountability from those in power.Washington Today

A group of 15 survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including two listed as 'Jane Doe,' have lambasted First Lady Melania Trump's denial of any ties to Epstein, saying it 'diverts attention' from former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Epstein files. The survivors called on Bondi to answer for withholding files and exposing their identities, stating that 'those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers.'

Why it matters

The Epstein case has raised ongoing questions about the role of powerful individuals and institutions in enabling his crimes. The survivors' criticism of Melania Trump's statement and demand for accountability from Bondi highlights the continued efforts to uncover the full truth and ensure justice for Epstein's victims.

The details

In a Thursday statement, the group of 15 Epstein survivors, including two 'Jane Does,' said they have 'already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony.' They accused Melania Trump of 'shifting the burden onto survivors under politicized conditions that protect those with power: the Department of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump Administration, which has still not fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.' The survivors added that Melania Trump's statement 'diverts attention from Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors' identities.' The Department of Justice has said Bondi will not comply with a subpoena to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as part of its Epstein investigation.

  • The Thursday statement was released on April 10, 2026.
  • Bondi was ousted from the Trump administration earlier this month.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who released a statement denying any ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General of Florida, who the survivors say must answer for withholding Epstein files and exposing survivors' identities.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late convicted sex offender whose crimes and connections to powerful individuals have been the subject of ongoing investigations and scrutiny.

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What’s next

House Oversight Democrats, along with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who introduced the measure to subpoena Bondi, have called on holding the former attorney general in contempt for failing to comply with her subpoena. She was scheduled to appear for a deposition on April 14.

The takeaway

The survivors' criticism of Melania Trump's statement and demand for accountability from Bondi underscores the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth about Epstein's crimes and ensure justice for his victims, even as powerful individuals and institutions continue to resist transparency and compliance.