This gruesome Trump allegation cannot go unpunished

At the risk of taking a political stand within the context of a vicious criminal attack on girls and women, it is time for Democrats to push much harder on all matters connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Political fortunes align with doing far more than the less-than-minimal action currently undertaken.

With the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and congressional heat on billionaire Les Wexner, members of the public around the world want to see a real investigation and consequences. Indeed, other nations are initiating their own investigations. Momentum is building.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel are far angrier at the people wanting answers than at the people who raped girls. It's time to use that fury against them.

In the name of the victims, Democrats must push for America to undergo "De-Epsteinification.”

DOJ must be pressed to release all the files. Given its obvious reluctance and obfuscation, along with Trump's demand that the nation "move on," Democrats must be actively preparing contempt and impeachment proceedings, to initiate the moment they have control of Congress next year (presuming, of course, that they gain it. Polling suggests that they will.)

But this isn't about just releasing the files. It is more about putting people in prison.

Congressional Democrats must now start to call for De-Epsteinification through a special prosecutor's office, sitting outside Bondi and Trump's control, staffed with prosecutors from any or no party and given four directives:

• Rid the nation of this stench and suspicion.
• Punish rapists and their enablers.
• Publish a 9/11-like report on the entirety of what is found.
• Find justice for the victims.

The British chose to prosecute a member of their own monarchy. American legitimacy rides on this nation's willingness to deal with ours, formerly the untouchables.

As an attorney, I understand there are constitutional considerations, but given that Congress can apply overwhelming pressure for the appointment of special prosecutors, there is likely a means — once Democrats regain control.

Of course, it shouldn't have to be this way. The attorney general and FBI director used to be fiercely independent. But like so much else in the Trump era, it's now all about loyalty, and if we've learned anything about this regime, it is that loyalty to the king trumps all.

This is made especially true in light of the recent shocking allegations that DOJ actively suppressed one of the most gruesome allegations arising out of an alleged attack by Trump on a girl then aged around 13, in 1983. A nation dedicated to the rule of law cannot survive if such a gruesome allegation goes without real investigation, never mind is actively hidden.

So take it out of their hands. Establish a congressional De-Epstenification Office, give it a pile of money, and let it work.

When even the Joe Rogans and Shawn Ryans of the world recognize the current investigation is a sham, it's time to do more and do it around the administration. The American public is ready for someone to take control. It should be Democrats in Congress.

There is literally no one else.

The push has to start before the power is secured, there may be enough Republicans who might crossover prior to the election, but, if not, it can and should be a campaign issue. Outside the pursuit of a true sense of justice, the political advantages are clear.

The public will hear Trump's fury and panic, forcing him to daily confront questions as to why he doesn't want rapists brought to justice. And even the push will act as a major incentive for Bondi, her deputy Todd Blanche and Patel to move forward in a way that convinces the public that such a prosecutorial group isn't necessary.

To be sure, a special prosecutor's office is never an ideal solution. Investigation would be done behind closed doors instead of through congressional hearings. Additionally, as we saw with both Robert Mueller and Jack Smith's prosecutions, such investigations take an immense amount of time. There would also be some pretty valid constitutional challenges.

Push it anyway. Yes, justice delayed is justice denied. But justice redacted, covered up, and politicized is no justice at all.

If Trump committed crimes in relation to Epstein, it will be all but impossible to prosecute him personally. He will pardon himself for everything while on the way out the door, no matter what happens. But we can at least attempt to ensure that the "Trump Kennedy Center" loses a sponsor, no airports will ever bear his name, victims can seek restitution, and his legacy will lie in history's landfill. Meanwhile, even billionaires can face the threat of prison.

It is the right thing to do. This is the time to start to do it. And to the extent that politics should play a role in any of this, let it do so in a way that punishes those who seek to evade punishment. The "De-Epsteinification of America" should start now.

Never again.

• Jason Miciak is a former Associate Editor of Occupy Democrats, author, American attorney, and single parent girldad. Please follow @JasonMiciak and on Bluesky. Currently seeking beta readers for his latest soon-to-be-published novel, he can be reached at [e-mail]