We need justice for the survivors of his predations, and we need to restore public trust in our institutions.
People want to know.(Leon Neal / Getty)
On his podcast, Joe Rogan recently asked Senator Bernie Sanders a question that reflects a concern many Americans have today: Why should people pay more in taxes to “an incompetent, corrupt government” that lacks accountability? The truth is, we should be investing more in government programs for education, healthcare, and the creation of well-paid jobs. But decades of corruption and the unchecked influence of money in politics have fueled a deep distrust in our institutions.
Overcoming this distrust is one of our greatest challenges as a country. If we want to enact initiatives like a 21st-century Marshall Plan for America or Medicare for All, we need people to believe that government works for them—not just for the rich and powerful.
To rebuild trust, we need transparency, accountability, and a bold anti-corruption agenda. Progressives must lead the way and show Americans that our government can be good and effective.
One place to start is calling for the release of the Epstein files. The administration’s refusal to release them is just the latest example of how a lack of transparency fuels distrust.
For at least a decade, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell trafficked and abused young women and children. There are more than 1,000 victims, according to the Justice Department. Lawsuits allege Epstein’s criminal abuse of minors spanned over 30 years. These victims deserve justice, and the public deserves to know who was involved and who is still being shielded today.
Americans on both the left and the right are outraged by the government’s failure to fully release this information; 79 percent of the public wants the files to be released, and a majority thinks the government is covering up evidence.
Releasing the full Epstein files—while protecting the privacy and safety of victims—must be a top priority. It is a simple question of whether our leaders stand with America’s children and victims of abuse or with the wealthy and powerful who are being protected.
That is why I have spoken out since 2019 about this issue and supported then–House Oversight Committee chairman Elijah Cummings’s investigation into Epstein’s death. It’s also why I am leading the current effort in Congress to release the files, first with an amendment that was blocked in the House Rules Committee and now with a bipartisan bill being co-led by Representative Thomas Massie.
Our bill, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires the attorney general to release the files within 30 days while ensuring that the victims are protected. Releasing the files should include information about individuals connected to Epstein’s and Maxwell’s criminal activities, to hold them accountable.
Congress should seek other evidence that could help shed light on who was enabling these crimes. I recently sent a letter requesting a copy of the “birthday book” from Epstein’s estate—a collection of letters from Epstein’s and Maxwell’s friends and associates that could contain evidence about other individuals who were involved in their crimes.
Our first priority must be justice for the victims and their families. When Congress returns in September, I plan to convene survivors of Epstein’s and Maxwell’s abuse on Capitol Hill to share their stories and urge 218 members of Congress to sign the discharge petition that will force a vote on our bipartisan bill. Every American will see where their member of Congress stands.
I know that many important organizations are asking you to donate today, but this year especially, The Nation needs your support.
Over the course of 2025, the Trump administration has presided over a government designed to chill activism and dissent.
The Nation experienced its efforts to destroy press freedom firsthand in September, when Vice President JD Vance attacked our magazine. Vance was following Donald Trump’s lead—waging war on the media through a series of lawsuits against publications and broadcasters, all intended to intimidate those speaking truth to power.
The Nation will never yield to these menacing currents. We have survived for 160 years and we will continue challenging new forms of intimidation, just as we refused to bow to McCarthyism seven decades ago. But in this frightening media environment, we’re relying on you to help us fund journalism that effectively challenges Trump’s crude authoritarianism.
For today only, a generous donor is matching all gifts to The Nation up to $25,000. If we hit our goal this Giving Tuesday, that’s $50,000 for journalism with a sense of urgency.
With your support, we’ll continue to publish investigations that expose the administration’s corruption, analysis that sounds the alarm on AI’s unregulated capture of the military, and profiles of the inspiring stories of people who successfully take on the ICE terror machine.
We’ll also introduce you to the new faces and ideas in this progressive moment, just like we did with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. We will always believe that a more just tomorrow is in our power today.
Please, don’t miss this chance to double your impact. Donate to The Nation today.
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Editor and publisher, The Nation
Again, this fight is also about restoring public trust in our institutions. Today, only 22 percent of Americans have faith that our leaders will do what is right. The public is tired of leaders who put wealthy donors and special interests over ordinary people.
Releasing the Epstein files is just the start of rebuilding public trust. We need a sweeping political reform agenda to clean up Washington. That means reining in the influence of money in politics and tackling corruption head-on by passing my bill with Representative Summer Lee to abolish super PACs. That also means fighting for working-class people, including furthering Medicare for All, a free public college education, and an increase in the minimum wage.
We must also resist the Beltway voices that are trying to make this a partisan fight. This isn’t about winning elections or scoring political points. We are building a coalition of Americans from across the political spectrum who are united behind protecting America’s children, rooting out corruption, and ensuring that no one is above the law.
The survivors of Epstein’s and Maxwell’s abuse have waited too long. The first day back in session, Congress must come together to sign the discharge petition and force the vote on our bill to show the American people we stand on the side of justice and transparency.
Our party and political system as a whole needs a rebirth. Our government must put ordinary people over the donor class. We must reject a system that protects the wealthy and shields them from accountability. This is how we build a stronger democracy where everyone can live with safety and dignity.
Rep. Ro KhannaRepresentative Ro Khanna (D-CA) is a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.