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Democratic Congressman Invites Epstein Victim to State of the Union, Highlighting Call for Justice
Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat from California, has invited a former victim of Jeffrey Epstein to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, intensifying pressure on the administration regarding the handling of the Epstein case.
Haley Robson, who will join Khanna at the event, was 16 years old when she first encountered Epstein in 2003. According to police documents from 2006, after initially resisting Epstein’s sexual advances, she was pressured to recruit other underage girls for him. Robson has publicly stated that she was paid $200 each time she brought a contact to Epstein’s home.
“I would recruit girls who were friends. I would casually bring it up, and we would drive together to his house,” Robson explained in a Netflix documentary about Epstein. “I probably recruited 24 girls. Those girls brought other girls too. They were all underage.” She has described being “destroyed” by guilt for years afterward.
When questioned about his decision to invite Robson, Khanna defended his choice against criticism. “Haley Robson was 16 years old when she survived Epstein’s abuse. This campaign to malign her and the other survivors on the night of the State of the Union is shameful. Attack me all you want. Do not attack the survivors,” Khanna stated.
The move by Khanna is part of a coordinated effort by Democratic lawmakers to highlight the Epstein case during the president’s address. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., will bring Dani Bensky, another Epstein survivor, while Representative Robert Garcia, D-Calif., has invited Annie Farmer, also a victim of Epstein’s abuse.
Public polling underscores why Democrats see this as a politically potent issue. According to a January survey by SSRS, 50% of Americans are dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the Epstein case. Another poll by IPSOS found that 75% of the public believes the government is still concealing information about Epstein’s activities.
Despite the Department of Justice releasing millions of files on Epstein following President Trump’s signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025, lawmakers like Khanna believe crucial information remains undisclosed. They argue that these unreleased documents could help identify possible co-conspirators who enabled Epstein’s crimes.
“Former Prince Andrew is being investigated and prosecuted in Britain. In Norway, they are prosecuting a former prime minister. In France, they’re investigating government officials and business leaders,” Khanna noted. “It’s time for the Department of Justice to begin investigations and prosecutions.”
Epstein, a former financial advisor with connections to numerous high-profile individuals, died in custody in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking minors. His death left many questions unanswered about who may have participated in or known about his criminal activities.
The strategy of using State of the Union guests to advance political narratives is well-established in Washington. In 2018, at the height of the MeToo movement, Democratic lawmakers invited victims of sexual exploitation to highlight allegations against President Trump and issues of sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill. Following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Democrats invited police officers who defended the building, while Republicans brought family members of those caught in subsequent legal proceedings.
Representative Garcia, who gave his State of the Union ticket to Annie Farmer, will not attend the address himself. Instead, he will join other Democrats at a counter-event at the Lincoln Memorial, further underscoring the political dimensions of this year’s address.
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10 Comments
While the details of this case are deeply disturbing, I commend Congressman Khanna for inviting Haley Robson, one of Epstein’s victims, to the State of the Union. Giving a voice to survivors is an important step towards accountability and preventing such abuses in the future.
This is a heartbreaking case, but I’m glad Khanna is using his platform to amplify the voices of Epstein’s victims. Recruiting underage girls for sexual abuse is an unconscionable crime that demands thorough investigation and accountability.
Absolutely. Bringing one of the victims to such a high-profile event shines a much-needed spotlight on this terrible situation. It’s crucial that we continue to listen to and support survivors as we pursue justice.
This is a heartbreaking and infuriating situation. I’m glad Congressman Khanna is bringing attention to it by inviting one of Epstein’s victims to the SOTU. Protecting vulnerable youth from sexual predators must be a top priority, regardless of wealth or status.
The Epstein case highlights the need for robust investigations and strong legal consequences for powerful individuals who exploit and abuse vulnerable young people. Kudos to Khanna for using his platform to amplify the voices of victims like Haley Robson.
This is a disturbing case involving the exploitation of underage girls. I’m glad Ro Khanna is shining a light on it and inviting one of Epstein’s victims to attend the State of the Union. Transparency and accountability are crucial for seeking justice.
It’s good that Khanna is using his platform to highlight this terrible situation. Epstein’s crimes were horrific, and it’s important we continue to investigate and hold all involved parties accountable, no matter how powerful they may be.
Agreed. Bringing one of the victims to the SOTU is a powerful statement. Hopefully it helps raise awareness and leads to meaningful reforms to prevent such abuses in the future.
Inviting Haley Robson, an Epstein victim, to the State of the Union is a powerful move by Congressman Khanna. It’s crucial that we continue to listen to and uplift the voices of survivors as we work to uncover the full truth and ensure that justice is served.
Congressman Khanna’s decision to invite Epstein’s victim Haley Robson to the SOTU is a brave and important move. It’s crucial that we listen to survivors and ensure justice is served, even for the most high-profile and connected perpetrators.