Rep. Ro Khanna held a roundtable with Jeffrey Epstein survivors while King Charles visited Washington, urging Congress to push for prosecutions, investigations, and the release of related files amid renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew.
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ro Khanna of California used King Charles’ high-profile Washington visit to elevate demands from Jeffrey Epstein survivors, holding a roundtable focused on what survivors say Congress must do next.
The meeting came as the British monarch made a historic appearance to address President Trump and, separately, lawmakers in Congress.. For Khanna and the women who joined the discussion. the timing was not incidental: they wanted the attention surrounding the visit to translate into concrete accountability for trafficking and sexual abuse.
Khanna said he brought the survivors’ concerns directly into the moment by asking for recognition from the king during his time in Washington.. According to Khanna. his request centered on survivors meeting the monarch personally—an exchange he framed as a public statement that power and wealth do not exempt anyone from consequences.
In the roundtable. participants discussed what they describe as long-standing failures in how lawmakers have handled trafficking cases and sexual assault allegations connected to Epstein and those associated with him.. The discussion also reflected ongoing public scrutiny of Prince Andrew. the king’s brother. who has faced repeated accusations of misconduct tied to Epstein.
Among the attendees were Epstein survivors. as well as family members connected to Virginia Giuffre. the woman who accused Epstein and former Prince Andrew of sexual abuse.. Khanna said he also met with the British ambassador and suggested the king acknowledge survivors during his address to Congress.
Survivors and their advocates have long argued that accountability requires more than statements of sympathy.. They have pushed for prosecution and investigations targeting people they say abused. assaulted. or trafficked girls. along with the release of records they believe would clarify what happened and who enabled abuse.
The roundtable’s emphasis on file releases and investigations sits at the intersection of two ongoing national debates: how the country treats survivors when allegations involve powerful figures. and what transparency should look like when law enforcement and oversight processes take years.. For many families. the difference between “awareness” and “action” is measured in daily life—security. medical care. stability. and the ability to move forward without the burden of constant uncertainty.
Khanna’s decision to stage the discussion in parallel with the king’s Washington schedule also underscores a broader political reality.. When global leaders arrive in the U.S.. lawmakers often compete to demonstrate relevance by tying domestic policy to international moments.. In this case. Khanna attempted to redirect that spotlight toward survivors. using the ceremonial weight of the king’s visit to pressure institutions that. survivors say. have been slow to deliver justice.
The question now is whether the attention will outlast the headlines.. Khanna’s stated goal is clear: prosecutions, investigations, and documents related to these allegations.. If lawmakers follow through, it could set a sharper precedent for oversight in cases where influence and connections complicate accountability.. If they do not. the pattern survivors have described—public attention without lasting consequences—may remain part of the American political landscape.