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Maine Institutions Grapple with Renaming Places Named for George Mitchell
The former U.S. Senate majority leader faces scrutiny after his ties to Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine is facing calls to remove his name from various institutions in the state, including a scholarship program, a college campus in Northern Ireland, and an educational program he previously chaired. This comes after the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released by the federal government named Mitchell nearly 300 times, raising concerns about his relationship with the disgraced financier.
Why it matters
As one of the most influential political figures from Maine, Mitchell's name is attached to numerous institutions across the state. The revelations about his ties to Epstein have prompted a reckoning, with some organizations already taking steps to distance themselves from Mitchell, while others are considering whether to follow suit.
The details
Mitchell's name has been removed from a scholarship program by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, his bust was removed from a college campus in Northern Ireland, and he resigned as the honorary chairman of the Mitchell Institute, a Maine educational program that is now considering renaming itself. However, other Maine institutions, such as an elementary school in his hometown of Waterville, a sustainability center at the University of Maine, and a public park in Harpswell, have not yet taken any action to remove his name.
- In 2019, documents were unsealed that showed Epstein tried to schedule meetings with Mitchell in the years after Epstein's Florida conviction on sex offenses in 2008.
- In 2020, Mitchell entered treatment for leukemia.
- In 2023, Mitchell returned to Northern Ireland on a much-publicized trip to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the peace deal he negotiated.
The players
George Mitchell
A former U.S. Senate Majority Leader from Maine who is facing scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein
A disgraced financier who had a long-standing friendship with Mitchell, according to the latest batch of files released by the federal government.
Virginia Giuffre
A woman who said she was trafficked to Mitchell by Epstein, according to documents that were unsealed in 2019.
Susan Collins
A Republican U.S. Senator from Maine who has sponsored a bill to rename an Acadia National Park visitor center after Mitchell.
Angus King
An independent U.S. Senator from Maine who has also sponsored a bill to rename an Acadia National Park visitor center after Mitchell.
What they’re saying
“[In] this country people are presumed innocent until proven guilty....allegations are just that, allegations.”
— Waterville superintendent (Bangor Daily News)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
