Today I was on Capitol Hill for the unveiling of the Trump-Epstein Bookmobile, an initiative organized by Defiance.org and the Institute for Primary Facts. The event was emceed by Miles Taylor, who served in the first Trump administration and is someone I worked closely with during our time in government. Taylor introduced the nationwide tour as an effort to keep public attention focused on transparency, accountability, and the release of the remaining Epstein records at a pivotal moment, as the U.S. Senate considers Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General.
But the focus of today’s event wasn’t just about the truck, it was also about the survivors.
One after another, survivors and their families described how the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of the Epstein files compounded their trauma by exposing victims while, they argued, failing to fully pursue those responsible. The central theme throughout the event was that the DOJ exists to pursue justice without fear or favor and bluntly stated: the Department has failed them.
Their message to the Senate was direct: the Attorney General’s duty is to the Constitution, the rule of law, victims, and the American people, not to any president. They urged senators to reject Todd Blanche’s nomination, arguing that he has not demonstrated the judgment, impartiality, or commitment to accountability required to lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) also addressed the crowd, pledging to continue pursuing the financial networks that enabled Epstein’s trafficking operation and arguing that accountability requires following the money wherever it leads.
On a personal note, I left today’s press conference thinking less about the politics and more about the extraordinary courage of the survivors I met. For years, they have endured unimaginable trauma, relentless public scrutiny, online abuse, and repeated disappointments from institutions they believed were supposed to protect them. Yet they continue to show up, not just for themselves, but for every survivor whose voice has yet to be heard.
Courage isn’t measured by the absence of fear. It’s measured by the willingness to keep speaking the truth despite it. Watching these women stand before cameras and lawmakers, refusing to be silenced, was a powerful reminder that accountability often begins with those willing to tell the hardest stories.
Whatever happens with Todd Blanche’s nomination, I hope these survivors know that their courage has already made an impact. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to seeking justice deserve to be recognized and remembered.
Thank you for joining me. One of the reasons I do this work is because I believe it’s important to be in the room: to listen, to ask questions, and to bring you the moments that don’t always make the headlines. Thanks for coming along. I’ll see you on the next story.
-Olivia
