DOJ Disputes Lawmaker's Claims About 'Random' Epstein Figures

Four individuals named by Rep. Ro Khanna have no apparent ties to the late sex offender, according to the Department of Justice.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Department of Justice has disputed claims made by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) that he had uncovered the names of 'wealthy, powerful men' whose connections to Jeffrey Epstein were hidden in redacted files. The DOJ stated that four of the six individuals named by Khanna had no ties to Epstein and were simply part of a photo lineup assembled years ago for investigative purposes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges in accurately identifying individuals connected to high-profile criminal investigations, as well as the potential for public officials to make claims about such connections without proper verification.

The details

According to the Guardian report, Khanna cited six names on the House floor that he claimed were 'wealthy, powerful men the DOJ hid' in the Epstein files. However, the DOJ stated that four of those individuals had no connection to Epstein whatsoever. The DOJ said the names came from a photo lineup assembled years ago by the Southern District of New York for investigative purposes, and that the individuals 'have NOTHING to do with Epstein or Maxwell'.

  • The names were read on the House floor by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) earlier this week.

The players

Rep. Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California who pressed the DOJ to lift redactions from the Epstein files.

Rep. Thomas Massie

A Republican Congressman from Kentucky who joined Khanna in pressing the DOJ to lift Epstein file redactions.

DOJ Spokesperson

A representative from the Department of Justice who disputed Khanna's claims about the individuals named.

Salvatore Nuarte

A Queens, New York resident who was one of the four individuals named by Khanna and who said he had no connection to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Rep Ro Khanna and Rep Thomas Massie forced the unmasking of completely random people selected years ago for an FBI lineup – men and women. These individuals have NOTHING to do with Epstein or Maxwell.”

— DOJ Spokesperson

“I don't know if they know what they are doing over there at the justice department. But how can I clear my name?”

— Salvatore Nuarte, Queens, New York resident (The Guardian)

What’s next

The DOJ has not indicated whether it will take any further action to address the inaccurate claims made about the individuals named by Rep. Khanna.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for public officials to verify information and claims, especially those related to high-profile criminal investigations, before presenting them publicly. It also highlights the potential consequences for individuals who may be incorrectly associated with such cases.