Rep. Dave Min, California Democrat and member of the House Oversight Committee, sharply criticized Republican lawmakers for failing to attend the deposition of billionaire Les Wexner at his Ohio estate. Wexner, the former Victoria’s Secret CEO, is a key figure in the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, having provided significant financial support that enabled Epstein’s alleged trafficking operations.
Min emphasized that sex trafficking is not a partisan issue and called on all members of Congress to prioritize accountability over politics. “It is very frustrating, the fact that there are no Republicans here today. I wish there were Republicans because sex trafficking should not be a D vs. R issue,” he said. His comments underscore growing concern over political divisions influencing high-profile investigations.
Rep. Dave Min Highlights GOP Absence
During the deposition, Republicans largely refrained from participating, with only staffers present. This absence forced Democrats, led by Reps. Robert Garcia, Jasmine Crockett, and Steve Lynch, to carry out questioning of Wexner.
Min called the lack of Republican presence “shameful,” framing it as a potential obstruction of justice. Observers noted that such absences may influence public perception, suggesting a partisan approach to oversight on matters that affect victims of serious crimes.
The empty seats were widely interpreted as ceding the narrative to Democrats, allowing them to lead the public discussion on Wexner’s role in Epstein’s operations.
Democrats Take the Lead Questioning Les Wexner
Despite the absence of Republican lawmakers, the Democratic team rigorously questioned Wexner regarding his financial support for Epstein. Wexner’s estimated $1 billion in funding reportedly financed Epstein’s private island, jet, and other components of his alleged trafficking network.
Rep. Robert Garcia stated plainly, “There would be no Epstein Island without the support of Les Wexner.” Reps. Crockett and Lynch pressed Wexner on survivor reports of abuse at his properties, while also addressing his public statements linking President Donald Trump, the current U.S. president serving a second term, to Victoria’s Secret runway events.
The Democrats’ focused questioning highlighted their determination to hold Wexner accountable in the absence of bipartisan scrutiny.
Rep. Dave Min Condemns DOJ and Alleged Obstruction
Min also criticized the Department of Justice for its handling of the investigation. He claimed the DOJ had actively obstructed progress, citing unreleased files and the failure of federal authorities to fully question Wexner. “That is shameful, and it will go down as a permanent mark on the records of people like Pam Bondi and Donald Trump,” Min stated.
These remarks bring attention to the ongoing scrutiny of federal enforcement agencies and the perception that high-profile figures may avoid full accountability. The deposition illuminated tensions between congressional oversight and executive branch discretion in pursuing sensitive investigations.
Political Implications and Partisan Dynamics
The absence of Republicans during the deposition raises questions about potential political motivations and the broader implications for bipartisan oversight. Min stressed that the issue of sex trafficking transcends party lines and should be treated with urgency and seriousness.
Observers note that when the party controlling a committee chooses not to participate, it can inadvertently shape the narrative, leaving one party to dominate public discourse. The no-show at Wexner’s deposition fuels concerns about perceived protection for influential figures and highlights the challenges of achieving accountability in highly politicized investigations.
Les Wexner’s Role and Public Scrutiny
Wexner, aged 88, has faced repeated questioning about his knowledge of and involvement with Epstein’s alleged activities. While described by some lawmakers as “competent,” he was criticized for not being fully forthcoming during the deposition.
The proceedings reinforced the perception that Wexner played a central role in enabling Epstein’s operations, prompting renewed calls for transparency and thorough investigation. Survivors’ advocacy groups have urged that such high-level scrutiny be conducted carefully to ensure that all relevant evidence is examined.
Rep. Dave Min Calls for Accountability
Rep. Dave Min’s statements and active participation in Wexner’s deposition underline the need for bipartisan engagement in matters of serious criminal investigation. The absence of Republican lawmakers, coupled with questions about DOJ conduct, highlights the complexities of oversight in politically sensitive cases.
As the investigation continues, Min and other Democrats assert that ensuring justice for victims of sex trafficking requires collaboration across party lines, transparency from federal agencies, and accountability from powerful individuals implicated in enabling criminal networks.
