Comer Commits to Hearings with Epstein Victims After Melania Trump's Call

House Oversight Chair says committee will hold hearings with Epstein survivors as part of ongoing probe.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:49am

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A dimly lit, empty courtroom with warm sunlight streaming through the windows, creating a sense of solemnity and unresolved tension around the Epstein case.The echoes of Epstein's crimes linger, as Congress prepares to give his victims a long-awaited platform to share their stories.Washington Today

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) announced on Friday that he plans to hold hearings with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as part of the committee's ongoing investigation. Comer's commitment comes a day after former first lady Melania Trump called on Congress to provide Epstein's victims a public hearing and the option to have their testimony entered into the congressional record.

Why it matters

Epstein's crimes and the web of powerful individuals connected to him have been the subject of intense public scrutiny for years. The House Oversight Committee's investigation aims to shed more light on Epstein's activities and the role of high-profile figures who may have been involved. Giving Epstein's victims a platform to testify publicly could provide crucial evidence and insight into the case.

The details

Comer said the Oversight Committee's attorneys have been in contact with lawyers representing Epstein's victims for months, and some victims are willing to testify. However, most others have been reluctant. Comer noted that the committee has already deposed multiple high-profile individuals, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as part of the investigation. Further depositions are scheduled in the coming months, including one with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in June.

  • On Thursday, Melania Trump called on Congress to provide Epstein's victims a public hearing.
  • On Friday, Comer announced the Oversight Committee will hold hearings with Epstein victims as part of its ongoing probe.

The players

James Comer

Republican Congressman from Kentucky and Chair of the House Oversight Committee, leading the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and the involvement of high-profile individuals.

Melania Trump

Former First Lady of the United States, who called on Congress to give Epstein's victims a public hearing and the option to have their testimony entered into the congressional record.

Jeffrey Epstein

Convicted sex offender whose crimes and connections to powerful figures have been the subject of intense public scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“I've always planned on having hearings with the victims.”

— James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chair

“Then, and only then, will we have the truth.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee is expected to hold hearings with Epstein victims in the coming months as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein's crimes and the involvement of high-profile individuals.

The takeaway

The House Oversight Committee's commitment to holding hearings with Epstein's victims represents an important step in providing a platform for their voices to be heard and potentially uncovering new evidence and insights into this complex and high-profile case.