Trump Official Faces Backlash For Saying ‘it’s Not A Crime To Party’ With Epstein - Beritaja

By: Albert Michael - Sunday, 22 February 2026 01:37:00

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A elder Justice Department charismatic is facing bipartisan backlash aft saying “it is not a crime to party” pinch Jeffrey Epstein.

Critics person said that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s remarks connected nationalist tv minimized the seriousness of crimes linked to the convicted predator, arsenic scrutiny intensifies complete the government’s handling of recently released Epstein files.

Justice Department official’s remarks sparked backlash

The contention centers connected comments made by Blanche during his quality connected Fox News.

In an question and reply pinch big Laura Ingraham, Blanche was asked whether group who socialized pinch Jeffrey Epstein and engaged successful intersexual activity pinch minors would look prosecution.

“Well, look, I’ll ne'er opportunity no, and we will ever analyse immoderate grounds of misconduct, but arsenic you know, it is not a crime to statement pinch Mr. Epstein,” Blanche said.

He added later successful the segment, “It’s not a crime to email pinch Mr. Epstein.”

Democrats quickly condemned the remarks

Democratic lawmakers quickly condemned the remarks, arguing that Blanche blurred a captious ineligible line.

New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury wrote connected X, “Sir, yes it is simply a crime. And, prosecuting these crimes is your job.”

California Rep. Ted Lieu echoed that criticism, writing, “If a personification parties pinch Mr. Epstein astatine a s** statement pinch minors, past yes it could beryllium a crime if the personification is patronizing. The truth that you don’t cognize that intends you should resign.”

Virginia Democrat James Walkinshaw said Blanche’s remark “shows precisely what’s incorrect pinch the Trump admin’s handling of the Epstein files: a callous disregard for survivors.”

Remarks tie wide criticism

The remarks besides drew crisp disapproval from blimpish commentators.

Evan Kilgore, who describes himself arsenic an American nationalist, wrote, “Horrible messaging from the Trump Administration. I’m successful daze really reside deaf this is.”

Brian Allen, laminitis of Allen Analysis, added, “Horrible optics. Worse values. This isn’t justice, it’s civilized rot dressed up arsenic legalism.”

It is worthy noting that Blanche sought to explain during the interview, saying, “Some of these men whitethorn person done horrible things, and if we person grounds that allows america to prosecute them, you amended judge we will.”

The Epstein files

The comments came days aft Blanche announced the merchandise of much than 3 cardinal pages of Epstein-related records, on pinch thousands of videos and images nether the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed past twelvemonth by President Donald Trump.

Epstein, a disgraced financier, died successful national custody successful 2019 while awaiting proceedings connected trafficking charges.

While Epstein maintained ties to salient figures for illustration Trump and erstwhile President Bill Clinton, neither of them has been accused of wrongdoing successful relationship pinch him.

For critics, Blanche’s remarks person amplified concerns that survivors’ experiences are being sidelined arsenic the Justice Department navigates transparency and accountability.

As Rep. Yassamin Ansari put it, “This tells you everything about really casually powerful men excuse abuse, and why the victims are still waiting for justice.”

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