Lawmakers and Epstein Survivors Press Conference Ahead of the 2026 State of the Union
Overview
On February 24, 2026, members of the United States Congress and survivors of abuse by financier Jeffrey Epstein held a public press conference in Washington, D.C., hours before the 2026 State of the Union Address.
The briefing served as both a survivor testimony platform and a congressional accountability event. Speakers addressed the federal government’s handling of the Epstein investigation, ongoing document releases, and the lack of full transparency regarding individuals connected to Epstein’s trafficking network.
The full event was recorded and broadcast by C-SPAN, creating a primary source public record of survivor testimony delivered while Congress was in session.
Context
Following the 2019 arrest and subsequent death of Jeffrey Epstein and the later conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, public scrutiny continued over the scope of Epstein’s network and whether all associated individuals had been identified. Survivors and advocacy groups have consistently argued that the investigation remained incomplete due to sealed records, redactions, and limited disclosure of investigative material.
Congress later passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, directing the United States Department of Justice to release investigative records connected to the Epstein case. Document releases began in phases but drew criticism from victims and lawmakers who stated that the disclosures were incomplete and heavily redacted.
The February 24 press conference was organized to bring national attention to those concerns immediately before the President’s annual address to Congress.
Participants
The event featured both lawmakers and survivors of Epstein trafficking.
Survivors who spoke included:
Haley Robson
Dani Bensky
Marina Lacerda
The survivors described the long-term impact of abuse and emphasized the importance of public disclosure of investigative information.
Members of Congress present advocated continued oversight of the Department of Justice and the full release of materials connected to the Epstein investigation.
Purpose of the Briefing
Speakers outlined several goals:
• Preservation of survivor testimony in the public record
• Pressure for full release of investigative files
• Congressional oversight of the Department of Justice
• National awareness before a televised presidential address
The timing — hours before the State of the Union — was intended to elevate the issue to national political visibility.
Key Issues Raised
Transparency of Federal Records
Speakers argued that the mandated disclosures had not satisfied the intent of transparency legislation. Lawmakers called for unredacted publication of investigative materials and identification of individuals referenced in the files.
Treatment of Victims
Survivors stated that document releases risked revealing victim identities while powerful associates remained concealed. Advocates requested protective handling of victim information and clearer accountability measures.
Political Accountability
Organizers used the proximity to the State of the Union to place the Epstein investigation directly into the national political conversation. Several lawmakers invited survivors to Washington in order to highlight the issue at the time of the presidential address.
Relationship to the State of the Union
The 2026 State of the Union Address took place the evening of February 24, 2026, at the United States Capitol.
The press conference functioned as a coordinated public action immediately preceding the address. The appearance of survivors in Washington and their testimony to the press placed the Epstein investigation within a federal political accountability context rather than solely a criminal proceeding.
Why This Is Important
This briefing represents a documented moment in which survivors directly addressed the federal government in a public forum while Congress was assembled.
The event serves as:
• a preserved survivor testimony record
• a congressional oversight action
• a public accountability effort tied to federal investigation transparency
For researchers, the conference marks a shift in the Epstein case from primarily courtroom proceedings to sustained national political scrutiny.
Sources
C-SPAN. Lawmakers & Epstein Survivors Hold Briefing Ahead of the State of the Union. https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/lawmakers–epstein-survivors-hold-briefing-ahead-of-state-of-the-union/673934/