Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has issued a stark warning to justice officials who might attempt to obstruct the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating they will face prosecution if they fail to comply with new federal law.
The Legislative Victory for Transparency
Ro Khanna, the California lawmaker who played a pivotal role in the Epstein Files Transparency Act, revealed that the legislation now requires the justice department to release all relevant documents within 30 days. The bill received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives and unanimous approval in the Senate, forcing President Donald Trump to abandon his initial opposition and sign it into law.
"Now, it's federal law for those documents to be released, and if the justice officials don't release it, they will be prosecuted, and they could be prosecuted in a future administration," Khanna stated in an exclusive interview with the Guardian on Wednesday evening.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The congressman emphasised that career officials making decisions about withholding information would be taking "a huge risk" by violating the new law. They could face future contempt of Congress charges or criminal prosecution, particularly given that political administrations change over time.
Khanna collaborated with Republican congressman Thomas Massie on the legislation, which overcame objections from House Speaker Mike Johnson through a discharge petition that eventually gathered the necessary 218 signatures. The process was delayed by a 43-day government shutdown and Johnson's refusal to swear in a newly elected Democratic representative.
International Implications and Subpoena Power
The congressman also expressed strong support for issuing a subpoena to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British royal who lost his titles due to his association with Epstein. Khanna confirmed that if Mountbatten-Windsor ever visits the United States, he would be required to comply with a congressional subpoena or face contempt charges.
While the decision to issue such a subpoena rests with the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, Khanna has already suggested the action to James Comer, the Republican chair of the oversight committee. Comer's office has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Historical Context and Political Impact
Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and former friend of powerful figures including President Trump, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His previous guilty plea in 2008 to sexual abuse charges in Florida had involved a controversial deal with prosecutors.
Despite Trump and his allies initially suggesting there was more to reveal about Epstein's connections with global elites, the justice department and FBI announced in July they would release no further information. This decision sparked widespread criticism from both Trump supporters and opponents alike.
Khanna described the legislative victory as having "cracked the Maga base" for the first time, while also crediting "the courage of the survivors" who twice traveled to the US Capitol to publicly demand the files' release.
Future Enforcement and Political Consequences
Under the new law, US Attorney General Pam Bondi is tasked with releasing a comprehensive range of files related to Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and others who interacted with them. The legislation includes exemptions for materials concerning open investigations or national security risks.
Khanna made clear that Democrats would not allow the issue to disappear, promising to pursue officials who fail to follow the law, though such action would likely require Democrats to reclaim majority control in at least one chamber of Congress.
"If we have the House, the people will be held in contempt and in front of Congress if they're not complying. And if there's a new administration, they're very likely to enforce the law if people have violated it," he stated.
Clearing the Political Landscape
The Epstein files have already generated uncomfortable revelations for powerful Democrats, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who recently announced he would stop teaching at Harvard University after released emails reignited questions about his Epstein connections.
Khanna expressed no concern about potential damage to his party members, stating: "I believe that we need a clearing, frankly, of the elite governing class whether they were Democrats or Republicans."
He added: "We need a generational change, and if there are people who are caught up in protecting sex offenders or people caught up in participating in sex trafficking or abuse of underage girls, they should not be part of the future of politics."
