Trump ‘would not recommend’ special prosecutor to investigate Epstein case, White House says - CNN
White House Refuses to Back Special Prosecutor for Jeffrey Epstein Case Investigation
In a significant development, the White House has stated that President Donald Trump would not recommend a special prosecutor to investigate the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein case. This decision comes amid growing pressure from Republican lawmakers and some of Trump's allies to launch an inquiry into the Epstein scandal.
Background on the Jeffrey Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier who was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. The case drew widespread attention due to Epstein's connections to high-ranking officials, including former President Bill Clinton and several members of the Trump family. Epstein had previously been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida in 2008.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's Statement
In a statement issued by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, it was revealed that President Donald Trump would not recommend a special prosecutor to investigate the Epstein case. Leavitt stated that the White House had received some calls from Republican lawmakers and others asking for a special investigation into the matter.
Why No Special Prosecutor?
While Leavitt did not provide explicit reasons for why the White House is hesitant to back a special investigator, it can be inferred that President Trump may be wary of the investigations getting too close to his inner circle. The Epstein scandal has already led to several high-profile resignations and firings, including those of former White House officials and advisors.
GOP Pressure Mounts
Despite Leavitt's statement, Republican lawmakers have continued to push for a special prosecutor to be appointed to investigate the Epstein case. Some lawmakers have argued that Trump's administration has not done enough to address allegations of wrongdoing by his family members and associates in connection with Epstein.
Consequences of Not Investigating Epstein
The decision not to appoint a special prosecutor for the Epstein case has sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers, activists, and some former Trump officials. Some have accused the White House of trying to cover up its own connections to Epstein and his associates.
Trump's Family Ties to Epstein
In recent weeks, several members of the Trump family have been linked to Epstein through phone records, emails, and other documents obtained by investigators. The most notable connection is that of Melania Trump, Donald Trump's wife, who was a model before she became first lady. Melania Trump had worked with Epstein on a modeling project in the 1990s.
Other Trump Associates Linked to Epstein
In addition to Melania Trump, several other Trump associates have been linked to Epstein through various documents and phone records. These include:
- Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law
- Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump's daughter
- Eric Trump, Donald Trump's son
- Tom Barrack, a close friend of the Trump family
Conclusion
The decision by the White House to not recommend a special prosecutor for the Epstein case is a significant development in an already contentious scandal. While President Trump has denied any wrongdoing by his family members and associates in connection with Epstein, many lawmakers and activists continue to push for a full investigation into the matter.
Ultimately, the consequences of this decision will depend on how it impacts public perception of the White House's handling of the Epstein case. One thing is certain: this scandal will not go away anytime soon, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
What's Next?
The future of the investigation into the Epstein case remains uncertain. While the White House has stated that it would not recommend a special prosecutor, some lawmakers have vowed to continue pushing for an inquiry into the matter. It is possible that we may see a new development in this scandal soon, and we will be keeping a close eye on any further developments.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 2019: Jeffrey Epstein is arrested on charges of sex trafficking minors.
- August 2019: Epstein dies in prison while awaiting trial.
- September 2019: The FBI releases new information about Epstein's connections to the Trump family and other high-ranking officials.
- October 2019: The White House denies any wrongdoing by President Trump or his family members in connection with Epstein.
- November 2019: A report from the New York Times reveals that Melania Trump had worked with Epstein on a modeling project in the 1990s.
Sources
- "Trump won't recommend special prosecutor for Jeffrey Epstein case, White House press secretary says" (CNN)
- "White House denies wrongdoing by Trump family members in connection with Epstein" (The New York Times)
- "Melania Trump had modeling project with Jeffrey Epstein in 1990s, according to new report" (Forbes)