Why Rep. Ro Khanna Is Bringing Epstein Survivor Haley Robson to Trump's State of the Union Tonight – The Full Story

Democratic congressman Ro Khanna will bring Epstein survivor Haley Robson to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight, in a bid to highlight the need for greater accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

The California representative, co-author of the Epstein Transparency Act which led to the release of millions of files on the late financier, said Robson's presence underscores the need for 'exposing America's two-tiered system of justice'. It comes as several Democrats invite survivors to the event, amid criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the case.

The Survivor's Story

Haley Robson was 16 when she was first trafficked by Epstein in Florida. She has spoken publicly about the abuse she endured, but police reports also show she recruited other girls for Epstein, receiving £148 ($200) for each introduction she made. Robson has described being drawn into Epstein's world and the fear that kept her involved.

'I'm honoured and it came as a wonderful surprise to have been invited,' she said regarding Khanna's gesture. A registered Republican who voted for Trump in 2024, Robson later withdrew her support, expressing disgust at the administration's delays in releasing the Epstein files and calling for full transparency.

Her experience illustrates the complicated positions some survivors found themselves in, often coerced into roles within the ring. Now, she campaigns for justice, standing with other survivors to demand action.

Khanna's Campaign for Epstein Files Transparency

Khanna's choice to invite Robson is part of a concerted effort by at least half a dozen House Democrats to bring Epstein survivors to the State of the Union. Others include Rep Jamie Raskin and Rep Suhas Subramanyam, who are bringing family members of the late Virginia Giuffre, and Rep Robert Garcia with survivor Annie Farmer.

The goal is to press Trump on his administration's alleged reluctance to release all Epstein files, despite the Transparency Act. 'Haley's courageous fight is proof that this isn't about politics, it's about exposing America's two-tiered system of justice and bringing accountability to the Epstein class,' Khanna stated.

The initiative has bipartisan elements, with Republican Rep Thomas Massie suggesting up to 12 survivors could be present. Meanwhile, some Democrats are skipping the speech to attend a 'People's State of the Union' on the National Mall. The tactic is hardly unexpected, given persistent concerns over file redactions and a lack of prosecutions.

Trump's Stance and Global Context

Trump has labelled the Epstein files a 'Democrat hoax'. His previous association with Epstein is well-known, although he cut ties after the allegations surfaced. Survivors have lambasted the Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, for insufficient pursuit of potential accomplices.

In a post on X today, Khanna pointed to the arrest of former UK Ambassador to the United States Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged Epstein links, contrasting it with US inertia. 'But here in the United States of America? Nothing,' he noted. This development underscores the international ramifications of Epstein's network.

As the State of the Union address takes place tonight, the attendance of Epstein survivors like Robson highlights lingering issues in the case. With ongoing calls for complete file disclosures, the occasion could spark renewed discussions on victim justice. As of 24 February 2026, no further US arrests linked to Epstein have been reported.