Democrats call for special counsel to probe Trump’s Epstein ties

Democratic lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee have called for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate President Donald Trump's alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein ahead of the US midterm elections. The 53-page report highlights sexual misconduct allegations made against Trump, a former close friend of Epstein, by five women who claim he committed rape or sexual assault in Epstein's presence.

Despite the allegations, Trump denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any criminal offenses. The committee accuses the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI of protecting Trump rather than pursuing justice, suggesting that an independent special counsel is necessary to investigate Epstein's potential accomplices and co-conspirators.

However, they acknowledge that DOJ, led by former personal attorney Todd Blanche, is unlikely to take any action. The report has been denounced by White House Communications director Steven Cheung, who calls it "complete bullshit" and claims the media and Democrats are peddling lies and accusations for political gain.