In July of 2019, Jeffery Epstein was arrested for several federal charges regarding activities taking place at Epstein Island. These alleged crimes involved the trafficking of several young girls. Although Epstein committed suicide back in August 0f 2019, the controversies surrounding him still remain. The U.S. government has not released the list of names involved with Epstein island. Millions are demanding the release of the Epstein files, among them include the students here at LVA.

Jolie, an LVA freshman,  expressed her opinion on the controversy surrounding the Epstein files, highlighting the misuse of power by white men in the industry. 

“I honestly believe that it’s a horrible display of how men in power, but specifically white men, are able to abuse their power to harm people in the industry that are very vulnerable.”

President Donald Trump has repeatedly been asked by congress, democrats and republicans alike, to use his power over the government to release the files, yet has failed to do so. According to BBC: “The Trump administration has been under mounting pressure to disclose more information about Epstein – with whom Trump was friendly before, according to the president, they fell out in 2004.” (BBC)  Trump was believed to be close friends with Epstein, allegedly signing Epstein’s birthday book. 

Although this has been pointed out, Trump has repeatedly denied this claim. According to PBS: ““It’s not my signature,” Trump told reporters outside a restaurant in Washington on Tuesday night. “And it’s not the way I speak.” Also Tuesday, the president declared the Epstein matter “a dead issue” in a phone call with NBC News.” (PBS 2025) 

Jolie goes on to say: “I think that there’s a lot to be said and a lot to be investigated, and I think that the people who are able to look into it should be looking into it a lot more than they are currently. And I also think that it’s just kind of a very blatant display of guilt that nobody is really looking into. But at the end of the day, our leader is our leader.”

According to NPR: “Before the 2024 presidential election, both Donald Trump and JD Vance called for the release of more files related to convicted sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein. In its first months in office, the new Trump administration has promised more transparency in government — but it hasn’t released any trove of “Epstein files” that supporters have demanded.” (NPR, 2025)

Before reclaiming office, President Donald J Trump and JD Vance demanded the government release the Epstein files. However, Trump has failed to comply with his own demand. Following the recent discussion over the familiar, Trump allegedly posted to social media platform X, quote “STOP TALKING ABOUT EPSTEIN!!!!!” 

Those critical of Trump find the delay in the release of the files hindering the justice system’s ability to provide for the alleged victims. By releasing the files, the U.S. government will be able to help the public understand the situation.