US lawmakers urge new Epstein investigations in damning report

Washington — Congressional representatives demanded intensified investigations on Tuesday into associates of infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a harsh report that accuses prosecutors, financial institutions, and influential connections of enabling his misconduct over the years. The Epstein saga has shadowed President Donald Trump, who maintained a friendship with the financier for years but denied any involvement in his criminal activities.

Claims that Trump obstructed much of the investigation sparked the first significant dispute with the president's base of support following his return to the White House. The Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee urged the Justice Department to interview or re-interview crucial witnesses and pursue accusations against two influential individuals who were linked to the disgraced financier.

Former Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine and French fashion hairstylist Frederic Fekkai both reject allegations of sexual assault, which were presented to federal prosecutors by the committee in June. The report also advocated for additional questioning of another longtime associate of Epstein.