Dear Editor,
Though I have long been an observer, and often a critic, of the Trump administration, I am rarely surprised by its actions. But last week, during congressional hearings, Attorney General Pam Bondi left me stunned. Seated directly behind her were several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of underage girls. Bondi remained unmoved and did not acknowledge the women or their families. Instead, she admonished members of Congress about where their focus ought to be.
Meanwhile, many individuals named in the Epstein files who are not part of the current Trump administration appear to be facing consequences. Prince Andrew is now simply Andrew, and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has also been sidelined. Peter Mandelson lost his ambassadorship to the United States, and Morgan McSweeney is out as the British prime minister’s chief of staff. Goldman Sachs’ top attorney Kathy Ruemmler resigned in disgrace. Brad Karp stepped down as chairman of Paul Weiss. Peter Attia resigned from his roles at David Protein and Eight Sleep. Casey Wasserman is reportedly selling his talent agency, with top clients already departing.
Bravo to King Charles and the British PM for immediately holding their own accountable, and bravo to the employees, partners and shareholders holding other businessmen named in the files accountable.
President Trump was mentioned in the Epstein files more than 38,000 times (thousands more references than even Jesus receives in the Bible!). At what point do Americans demand accountability? Thus far, we have received only redacted documents, evasions, and assurances that while others named in the files may be culpable, Donald J. Trump could not possibly be.
Give me a break.
Ace Jones Greensboro