WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 13, 2026 — Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) is publicly pressing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to interview a previously uncontacted witness who allegedly gave the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) a tip linking former President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein to a rape claim — an allegation that has ignited controversy about the Justice Department’s handling of newly released Epstein files and congressional oversight.
Lieu’s unusually pointed demand, made this week on social media and in correspondence to Attorney General Pam Bondi, focuses on a witness report included in the latest tranche of documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. According to Lieu, the witness contacted the FBI’s NTOC, relaying that a woman, later found dead under unresolved circumstances, told him that Trump and Epstein raped her. Lieu alleges that the DOJ never interviewed this witness, and he is now urging the department to do so immediately.
Lieu’s message reads in part:
“Witness calls FBI’s NTOC and reports girl, later found dead, told him Trump and Epstein raped her. DOJ NEVER INTERVIEWS WITNESS. When will DOJ interview this witness?”
Background: The Epstein Files Transparency Act
The controversy arises in the context of a massive document release mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law passed in November 2025 requiring the DOJ to make public all unclassified government records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation.
Under the law — signed by President Trump — more than 3 million pages have now been made available, with lawmakers granted access to unredacted materials upon request. The statute was intended to shed light on potential co-conspirators, misconduct in prosecutions, and historical investigative decisions.
What the Documents Say — And What They Don’t
One of the newly released FBI intake reports, dated October 2020, includes a summary of a limousine driver’s account in which an unnamed woman allegedly told him that Trump and Epstein raped her. The document summary states that this woman was later found dead, with some reports indicating the manner of her death was non-suicide — but these circumstances are not independently verified in the files.
Notably, the DOJ has publicly characterized claims against Trump found in the documents as “untrue and sensationalist,” asserting that if these accusations had merit they would have been actively pursued years earlier.
It’s also crucial to emphasize that no federal prosecutor has charged Trump in connection to Epstein’s crimes, and Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
DOJ Response to Oversight and Transparency Concerns
Lieu’s demand comes amid a broader battle over how the Department of Justice has handled both the release and supervision of Epstein-related materials. In recent weeks, Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike have criticized the DOJ for the pace of releases, extensive redactions of survivor testimony, and apparent discretion over what is shared.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month, Lieu directly challenged Bondi’s testimony, accusing her of lying under oath about the existence of evidence implicating Trump in wrongdoing. Bondi, who assumed office in 2025, defended the DOJ’s process and stated there is “no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime,” echoing the department’s public position.
Why This Matters — Legal, Political, and Public Trust Stakes
Credibility of Investigations and Witness Follow-Up
A central question raised by Lieu’s request is whether the FBI and DOJ followed up on potentially credible information in a timely and competent manner. The refusal or failure to interview a witness who reported alleged rape — particularly if the alleged victim subsequently died under ambiguous circumstances — raises concerns about due diligence and fairness in federal investigations.
If a credible lead is ignored, it can undermine both the integrity of the justice system and public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Oversight of Powerful Figures
The Epstein files have reignited public scrutiny over the extent to which wealthy and well-connected individuals were investigated (or protected) during decades of law enforcement inquiries. Critics argue that redactions and investigative decisions have shielded powerful people, eroding faith in equal application of the law.
Lieu’s demands amplify these concerns by spotlighting how oversight from Congress functions when executive agencies control access to sensitive material.
Separation of Fact From Allegations
Media reports and social commentary have underscored how quickly unverified allegations can be conflated with established fact, especially in politically charged contexts. It’s crucial for journalists, lawmakers, and the public to distinguish unsubstantiated tips or claims from court-verified evidence before ascribing guilt or criminal liability.
Failing to make such distinctions can contribute to misinformation and damage reputations unjustly.
4. Political Polarization in Oversight
Lieu’s confrontation with the DOJ underscores the increasingly partisan nature of high-profile oversight. Republicans and Democrats often diverge sharply on inquiries implicating Trump or other polarizing figures, complicating bipartisan cooperation on issues of criminal justice reform and transparency.
Lieu’s stance, while rooted in oversight authority, intersects with broader debates about how political actors engage with law enforcement and intelligence findings — especially when those findings involve former presidents.
What Comes Next
DOJ Response? So far, the DOJ has not publicly confirmed plans to interview the anonymous witness Lieu references. It may respond directly to Lieu’s letter or speak through the Attorney General’s office. Judicial or Independent Review? If congressional oversight fails to yield action, lawmakers could pursue subpoenas, independent investigations, or hearings to examine DOJ practices. Public Interest and Media Scrutiny will likely continue, especially as additional Epstein files are released and reviewed by lawmakers.
Quick Summary
Rep. Ted Lieu has demanded that the DOJ interview a witness who allegedly reported to the FBI that a woman claimed both Trump and Epstein raped her; Lieu says the DOJ has not interviewed this person. The claim appears in FBI intake material after the release of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. DOJ officials have called some allegations in the files “untrue and sensationalist” and deny prosecutorial evidence against Trump. Lieu also accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of lying under oath about evidence and is pushing for greater transparency and follow-up. The issue touches on broader concerns about accountability, investigative standards, political polarization, and public confidence in federal law enforcement.