Epstein-Skandal: Demokraten fordern Ermittler zu Trumps Epstein-Verbindungen

Several Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are calling for the appointment of an independent special investigator to examine potential connections between former President Donald Trump and sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. A new report by Democratic staff of the House Judiciary Committee suggests mounting evidence that Trump "actively participated in Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of young women" between the mid-to-late 1990s.

Trump knew the deceased sex offender well, but denied any involvement in criminal schemes or knowing of Epstein's actions. The report's release comes at the end of the U.S. election campaign, with Americans set to vote in their parliament in a week. Trump himself is not on the ballot, but the midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president's policies.

The handling of the Epstein affair has been a source of much criticism for Trump during his second term. He had previously promised to release the case files during his presidential campaign, but resisted doing so after taking office. Only after significant public and parliamentary pressure were some files released. Despite this, critics remain unsatisfied, pointing out that blacked-out sections in the files protected not only victims but also suspected accomplices.

Epstein, a wealthy New York financier, ran a sexual abuse ring involving young women and minors over several years, reportedly abusing minors himself in New York and Florida. The case was once tried in court, but victims and critics felt the outcome was inadequate. The millionaire had initially pleaded guilty to some points of the indictment, only to have the case reopened later.

Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019 before a further conviction could occur. He had extensive connections in the U.S. and several other countries' high society. The question of which celebrities might have been involved in his machinations frequently arose. Trump's name also came up frequently in this context. An appeal to Congress is made in the newly published report, stating that the chances of the current U.S. government appointing an independent special investigator, including Trump's role, are low.

Given that Republicans still hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, Democrats could potentially use their legislative and oversight powers to investigate Trump and his policies in the future. This tool could also be used for further inquiries into the Epstein scandal.