Opinion The Epstein files aren't a 'hoax.' And they need to be released.

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Releasing the files is not about scoring political points or winning elections. It’s about justice for the over 1,000 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse and their families. It’s about public trust in government and transparency at a moment when there is a deep skepticism of our institutions. It’s about standing up to special interests and the well connected who are being shielded from accountability.

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Their stories made it clear that for years, the government has chosen to protect Epstein and the well connected over children who were being abused. And while the government failed to do the right thing, brave advocates like Brad Edwards and Brittany Henderson, the survivors’ attorneys, have been fighting for justice.

That is why it is so important to continue pursuing the truth. Last month, after reporting from The Wall Street Journal and Lawrence O’Donnell, I requested the “birthday book” from Epstein’s estate — a collection of letters compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday. When the estate indicated they would comply with a subpoena, I pushed for our committee to act. This week, the Oversight Committee made Trump’s letter to Epstein public — revealing the document that the president had claimed did not exist.

A nation that allows rich and powerful men to traffic and abuse young girls without consequence is a nation that has lost its moral core. Nearly 70% of Americans think the federal government is not telling the full truth about Epstein. Refusing to release the files erodes public trust and faith in our institutions.

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https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-esptein-files-petition-ro-khanna-rcna230592