This Is Not a Hoax. It’s America’s Shame.

There’s a political war unfolding over the Epstein files. Survivors of clergy abuse are watching closely—because we see, in real time, how the party in power is working to silence survivors all over again. As if the lessons from the Catholic clergy abuse crisis were erased.

For years, far-right voices spun conspiracy theories about Democrats running child abuse rings. But now that real evidence exists—victims’ testimonies, institutional records—they fall silent, pivot, or weaponize our stories for political theater.

A few months ago, Virginia Giuffre died by suicide. Her name was known to many, but the story was hers: a trafficked girl who spoke up again and again, despite every reason not to. Her death didn’t dominate the news cycle. But for survivors, it landed hard—a painful reminder of the long-term consequences of child sexual abuse.

Today, her brother Sky Roberts and her family stood outside the White House—because Virginia cannot stand for herself anymore. He refused silence:

“My sister fought to expose the system that abused women without consequence. She never backed down. We will not stop until every document is unsealed. No more secrets, no more protection for those who preyed on the vulnerable. If you oppose these files, you stand with abusers. Look Americans in the eye and explain why.”

What kind of country dismisses survivors? What kind of leadership betrays children for optics? If Republicans remain unmoved, refusing to protect children, it is a stain on the U.S. conscience.

I care because I’ve lived this. I was abused by a Catholic priest. I know what it’s like to speak the truth no one wants to hear—only to have it swallowed by someone else’s agenda. Silence doesn’t protect children. Truth does.

And yet President Trump called this—transparency, survivors demanding justice—a “hoax.” His shenanigans aren’t just political—they are cruel lies. If it’s all a hoax, why did MAGA allies fuel Epstein conspiracies for years? Diversion is his strategy, and survivors bear the brunt.

A Rolling Stone investigation revealed how the Trump Administration sided with Catholic bishops to block Washington State’s law requiring clergy to report child abuse—even abuse revealed in the confessional. This isn’t religious freedom. This is choosing secrecy over safety. And Washington’s law—reporting within 48 hours, confession or not—was about protecting children. No exception should outweigh that commitment.

Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell—a convicted felon of child sexual abuse and trafficking—was quietly moved to a minimum-security federal camp after meeting with a Trump DOJ attorney. Survivors are angry. While they demanded accountability, the Department of Justice offered leniency and comfort to a known predator. What survivors asked for were the DOJ and FBI files—full transparency, not favors for the powerful. If those files remain sealed, the question is obvious: what, and who, is being protected?

Still, there’s a flicker of hope: Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) signed a petition forcing a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Just two more Republicans, and the documents must be released. That’s accountability. The question is: will they step up—or stand with cover-ups?

What we are witnessing is not politics as usual—it is another historic injustice, another cover-up of child sexual abuse playing out in real time. Today, 100 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking and exploitation stood in front of the White House. One hundred out of thousands of girls—girls who were daughters, sisters, granddaughters, friends, classmates. Girls who deserved protection, and who instead were preyed upon. Now, women who deserve justice.

In my experience, survivors don’t just come forward to demand accountability—they come forward with hope. Hope that their story, their pain, will stir conscience. That it will move people to act. To prevent children now, and children in the future, from living through the same devastation.

100 heroes spoke out. They told the truth with hope in their hearts. And that hope is a demand: that those in power finally listen, finally act, finally choose children over secrecy, survivors over predators, justice over delay.

Silence isn’t neutrality. Silence is complicity.

Stand with survivors. Demand action. Hold power to account.

Here are some concrete steps you can take right now if you want to support Epstein survivors and push for accountability around the release of the files:

1. Call your Representatives.

• Thank those who’ve already signed onto the petition (e.g., Reps. Massie, Mace, Greene, Boebert).

• Call those who haven’t, especially Republican members whose support is needed, and remind them that their constituents are watching and that votes are tied to accountability.

2. Call Senate offices.
Even though the push is happening in the House, letting Senators know that transparency around child sexual abuse cases matters will build pressure for broader bipartisan support.

3. Share survivors’ voices.
Amplify Sky Roberts’ statement and others from the White House rally. Survivors should be centered—not drowned out by political talking points. Share their words on social media, in community groups, and in letters to the editor.

4. Write op-eds or letters.
Local newspapers and online outlets often publish letters from constituents. Remind readers that transparency is about protecting children, not politics.

5. Support prevention groups.
Organizations like CHILD USA, Darkness to Light, THORN, and RAINN push for systemic change and prevention. Donations keep survivor-led advocacy strong.

6. Track the bill.
Follow the progress of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Sites like Congress.gov let you see updates and co-sponsors.

7. Keep the pressure public.
Tag your members of Congress on social media and ask where they stand. Public pressure can matter as much as private calls.