Ossoff Invokes 'Epstein Class' in Attack on Trump's Elite Allies

Senator highlights wealth of Trump's Cabinet in populist argument against ruling establishment

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Sen. Jon Ossoff injected the Epstein files into a potent new political argument during a rally in Atlanta, accusing the 'Epstein class' of ruling the country and noting the extreme wealth of President Donald Trump's Cabinet. Ossoff's message pits everyday voters against the ruling establishment rather than Democrats versus Republicans, creating collateral damage for Democrats as well since the 'Epstein class' would include figures like Bill Clinton.

Why it matters

Ossoff's use of the 'Epstein class' rhetoric taps into growing populist anger over the perceived influence of wealthy elites in government, a theme Trump also invoked during his presidency. However, this argument could backfire on Democrats by implicating figures like Bill Clinton who also had ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The details

Ossoff accused Trump's administration of being 'a government of, by, and for the ultra-rich,' citing the wealth of figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trump allies like Elon Musk. While there is no hard evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Trump or his associates in the Epstein files, Ossoff is using the files to paint the president's team as part of a ruling elite class exploiting their power.

  • Ossoff made the comments during a rally in Atlanta over the weekend.
  • The Epstein files were recently released by the Trump administration's Department of Justice late last year.

The players

Sen. Jon Ossoff

A Democratic senator from Georgia who is running for reelection in a state won by Trump in 2024, making him one of the most endangered Democrats in the Senate.

President Donald Trump

The former president whose administration recently released the Epstein files, which Ossoff is using to attack Trump's allies.

Howard Lutnick

Trump's Secretary of Commerce who had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as revealed in the recently released files.

Bill Clinton

The former Democratic president who also had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which could create collateral damage for Democrats in Ossoff's 'Epstein class' argument.

Elon Musk

A political benefactor of Trump who Ossoff is accusing of being part of the 'Epstein class' of ruling elites.

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What they’re saying

“This is the Epstein class, ruling our country. They are the elites they pretend to hate.”

— Sen. Jon Ossoff (CNN)

“Trump was supposed to fight for the working class; instead, he's literally closing rural clinics and hospitals to cut taxes for George Soros and Elon Musk.”

— Sen. Jon Ossoff (CNN)

“For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.”

— President Donald Trump (CNN)

What’s next

Clinton and his wife Hillary are set to testify in depositions before a congressional committee about Epstein later this month.

The takeaway

Ossoff's use of the 'Epstein class' rhetoric taps into growing populist anger, but it could backfire on Democrats by implicating figures like Bill Clinton who also had ties to Epstein. The Epstein story has become a political football, with both parties trying to use it to their advantage rather than focusing on transparency and justice for survivors.