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Epstein's most prominent Aussie accuser did not have a will
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Perth Now
26 minutes ago
- Perth Now
'Crisis of trust': Epstein furore to hurt Republicans
The uproar over disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is undermining public trust in the Trump administration, as well as Republican hopes of retaining control of Congress in the 2026 mid-term elections, two congressmen say. Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who want the House of Representatives to vote on their bipartisan resolution requiring full release of the government's Epstein files, said the lack of transparency is reinforcing public perceptions that the rich and powerful live beyond the reach of the judicial system. "This is going to hurt Republicans in the mid-terms. The voters will be apathetic if we don't hold the rich and powerful accountable," Massie, a hardline conservative from Kentucky, told NBC's Meet the Press program. Republicans hope to add to their current 219-212 House majority - with four seats currently vacant - and 53-47 Senate majority in November 2026, although the US political cycle traditionally punishes the party of the sitting president during midterm elections. The Washington Post reported that Trump was increasingly frustrated with his administration's handling of the furore around Epstein. Even so, the president was hesitant to make personnel changes to avoid creating a "bigger spectacle" as his top officials underestimated the outrage from Trump's own base over the issue, the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources. Khanna said Attorney General Pam Bondi triggered "a crisis of trust" by saying there was no list of Epstein clients after previously implying that one existed. The change in position unleashed a tsunami of calls for her resignation from Trump's MAGA base. "This is about trust in government," the California Democrat told Meet the Press. "This is about being a reform agent of transparency." President Donald Trump has been frustrated by continued questions about his administration's handling of investigative files related to Epstein's criminal charges and 2019 death by suicide in prison. Massie and Khanna believe they can win enough support from fellow lawmakers to force a vote on their resolution when Congress returns from its summer recess in September. But they face opposition from Republican leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who sent lawmakers home a day early to stymie Democratic efforts to force a vote before the break. Johnson, who also appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, said he favours a non-binding alternative resolution that calls for release of "credible" evidence, but which he said would better protect victims including minors. "The Massie and Khanna discharge petition is reckless in the way that it is drafted and presented," Johnson said. "It does not adequately include those protections." Massie dismissed Johnson's claim as "a straw man" excuse. "Ro and I carefully crafted this legislation so that the victims' names will be redacted," he said. "They're hiding behind that." Trump has tried and failed so far to distract attention from the Epstein controversy six months into his second term. On Saturday, Trump repeated his claims without evidence that 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and other Democrats should be prosecuted over payment for endorsements from celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce and the Reverend Al Sharpton. Last week he accused former president Barack Obama of "treason" over how his administration treated intelligence about Russian interference in US elections nine years ago, drawing a rebuke from an Obama spokesperson. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Sky News AU
4 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'No appetite for him': Scandal-ridden Prince Andrew receives firm message from King Charles III he won't return to royal duties despite FBI dropping Jeffrey Epstein case
Prince Andrew's hopes of returning to royal duties have been firmly shut down by King Charles, despite the FBI confirming it will not pursue any further charges in the Jeffrey Epstein case. According to recent reports, the 65-year-old Duke of York has felt "optimistic" about stepping back into public life following announcements from the FBI and the US Department of Justice that no client list from Epstein exists and no third-party prosecutions will be pursued. But while the legal cloud may have lifted, his status within the Royal Family remains unchanged. Speaking to The Royal Report's Caroline Di Russo on Sunday, Bronte Coy confirmed the reminder from the King "shouldn't have come as too big of a surprise" to Andrew, though "it seems to have done". "The reports are that technically, the FBI are not pursuing any third-party charges (in relation to the Epstein case), and it seems that, in that regard, that shadow that has been cast over Andrew over the last few years is over now," Coy explained. "But when it comes to his royal duties and public life, nothing has changed." Coy said recent reporting suggested Andrew was "chipper" after the FBI dropped its investigation and was "possibly optimistic" about re-entering public life. But Charles, 76, has remained steadfast. "Andrew has been out of royal duties for five years, ever since his disastrous Newsnight interview, and he's had several controversies- his ties to Epstein were really just one of them,' she said. Coy also pointed to Andrew's links to alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo in late 2024, which saw him excluded from the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations. "At the very least, Prince Andrew is accused of very poor judgment along the way," Coy added. There also appears to be no public support for Andrew's return. "There's no appetite from the British public for him to return to Royal duties," Coy said. "And there seems to be no appetite at all from The King. "It was that reminder to Andrew that, despite the fact that it's a relief for him that the line has been drawn in the sand by the FBI, in terms of his future, he will probably just continue living life the way he was before- which by many accounts is largely reclusive." Though Andrew still resides at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, he has no public role and "there really doesn't look like there will ever be a return to it". Di Russo agreed, saying, "The Royal Family is trying to be relevant and relatable, and he just doesn't fit that strategy at all." Despite the end of legal proceedings, Prince Andrew's association with Epstein continues to raise eyebrows. As recently as last week, the Mirror reported Andrew was allegedly asked to contribute a message to a leather-bound birthday album for Epstein's 50th birthday- compiled in 2003 by Ghislaine Maxwell. The "bawdy" book reportedly contained letters and notes from Epstein's inner circle, celebrating his supposed genius and generosity. "Jeffrey always saw Andrew as the pinnacle of his pals," a source told the Mirror. "Ghislaine made sure he was asked to contribute. She made it sound like an honour to be included." It remains unclear whether Andrew submitted a message. The father-of-two settled a civil sexual abuse case with the late Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser, in 2022, reportedly paying more than £12 million (AUD $16.3 million). That same year, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his HRH title.
Sky News AU
15 hours ago
- Sky News AU
A ‘wanted' Aussie man has been shot by police in Townsville
An allegedly 'wanted' Aussie man has been shot by police in Townsville. Police received reports a man in his 20s was walking along Carthew St in Thuringowa Central about 3.16pm on Sunday afternoon. A Queensland Police spokesperson alleged the man was 'wanted' in a statement. Police arrived at the scene shortly afterwards, where an officer discharged a firearm. The man was given medical assistance immediately after. He was taken to Townsville University Hospital by paramedics, where he is receiving treatment. A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information, including dashcam footage, has been urged to come forward. The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the incident, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission. Originally published as A 'wanted' Aussie man has been shot by police in Townsville
