As files associated with the disgraced former financier and noted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein trickle out, critics of the Justice Department’s handling of the case — particularly its liberal use of redactions to protect those in power, rather than victims — are beginning to name what’s going on.
“We were told that MAGA was for working-class Americans. But this is a government of, by, and for the ultra-rich. It is the wealthiest Cabinet ever,” Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) said in a speech on Feb. 7. “This is the Epstein class.”
“They are the elites they pretend to hate,” Ossoff continued, later adding: “If you’re Steve Bannon ... how do you sell any of this? Trump was supposed to fight for the working class. Instead, he’s literally closing rural clinics and hospitals to cut taxes for George Soros and Elon Musk.”
The term “the Epstein class” has appeared in comment sections everywhere from X to Instagram Reels and Threads over the years, to attempt to name a deeply uncomfortable class dynamic on display: The self-protective circle of wealth, favors and information that kept enterprises (and crimes) involving Epstein afloat for so long.
And in 2026, it seems to have thoroughly worked its way into the public consciousness — enough to make it into official speeches of politicians like Ossoff and his peers.
