‘Nobody Will Ever Believe It’: Comer Says Epstein Report May Fail to Convince the Public

House Oversight Chair James Comer has expressed serious doubts about whether his committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein will persuade the public, despite producing some of the probe’s most consequential materials. The committee unearthed the so-called “birthday book” and more than 20,000 documents that shed light on Epstein’s contacts with powerful figures, including references to President Donald Trump.

Findings and Practical Hurdles

Comer acknowledged the value of the documents but warned that widespread skepticism could undercut their impact. 'I fear the report will be like the Warren Report,' he said, adding, 'Nobody will ever believe it.' By referencing the 1964 Warren Commission report on President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Comer highlighted how this story has attracted enduring conspiracy-minded doubt.

The investigation faces significant practical obstacles. Many alleged crimes took place years or decades ago, physical evidence may be scarce, Epstein died in custody in 2019, and Ghislaine Maxwell — now serving a 20-year sentence for her role in the trafficking operation — has said she will not cooperate with the committee.

Document Requests and Next Steps

Comer has issued subpoenas to financial institutions, seeking Epstein-related bank records from JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. He has also requested additional materials from the attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands, whose jurisdiction includes Epstein’s private islands.

Separately, Congress recently passed — and the president signed — a law requiring the Justice Department to release investigative files within roughly 30 days, with redactions to protect victims and ongoing criminal probes. Comer said he hopes those releases, plus the bank records, may produce new leads.

Political Stakes and the Search for Names

Comer faces political pressure on multiple fronts. Republicans promoted the Oversight Committee’s work as proof they were taking the Epstein case seriously, while Democrats publicized items from the committee’s files that mention or reference President Trump, including a drawing and messages in the birthday book and an email in which Epstein wrote that Trump 'knew about the girls.'

Comer has downplayed those items’ legal significance and blamed Democrats on the committee for selectively releasing material. He has not committed to issuing a final report, saying a report would come 'eventually, I would assume.'

To try to produce the kind of list some members and the public expect, Comer said he directed female members of the committee from both parties to meet privately with survivors to learn whether victims can identify others who were complicit. Jennifer Freeman, an attorney for some survivors, cautioned that putting this burden on victims risks retraumatizing them or exposing them to retaliation.

Partisan Fallout and Personal Attacks

Comer and Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel’s top Democrat, have traded sharp personal criticisms. Comer called Garcia 'dishonest' and accused him of playing the 'gay card' in a prior exchange — comments Garcia and others pushed back on. Garcia accused Comer and committee Republicans of trying to protect President Trump and of being outmaneuvered in the fight to release files.

There is no public sign that President Trump is displeased with Comer. A senior White House official speaking on background said the president 'likes James Comer a lot' and has been supportive.

Comer’s Political Calculations

Comer is weighing a possible run for Kentucky governor in 2027, and his handling of the Epstein investigation may affect his prospects. He has traveled the state and said he has received encouragement to run. He also acknowledged that the probe has given him frequent media visibility across the country.

Comer said he has not discussed the committee’s work directly with the White House and when asked how he thought the president views the probe, he replied, 'I don’t want to know, probably.'

Diana Nerozzi contributed to this report.