Ted Lieu Takes Center Stage on MSNOW Over Epstein Files and DOJ Accountability
Rep. Ted Lieu has become one of the most vocal and visible Democratic lawmakers in Washington this February, using congressional hearings, press conferences, and media platforms including MSNOW to press the Department of Justice over the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files and alleged government inaction on witness testimony linked to Donald Trump.
Ted Lieu Confronts AG Pam Bondi at House Judiciary Hearing
The most explosive moment in Lieu's recent push came during a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on February 11, 2026, when the California Democrat squared off directly with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Epstein files. Ted Lieu played a decades-old video recording of Trump and Epstein speaking at a social event and demanded Bondi explain why the DOJ had not pursued certain allegations. Bondi replied that there is no evidence Trump committed a crime. Trump has never been charged with any Epstein-related offense and has denied any wrongdoing. The exchange grew heated, with Bondi shouting back at Lieu after he pressed her on the credibility of tips contained in FBI records.
What Ted Lieu Said About the Epstein Files and Trump Allegations
At a press event on February 4, 2026, Ted Lieu described the released Epstein materials as containing "highly disturbing allegations" referencing Trump, including unverified claims submitted to the FBI's National Threat Operations Center. Lieu urged journalists and law enforcement to scrutinize those claims and argued that the DOJ had failed to follow up on a specific tip involving a witness who said a girl, later found dead, had told him Trump and Epstein had assaulted her. Fact-checkers across multiple outlets confirmed that Lieu referenced these entries as allegations — not as proven facts — and that he urged further investigation. The DOJ pushed back, labeling several of the tips in the released documents as lacking credibility and noting the files were submitted publicly to the FBI before the 2020 election.
MSNOW and the Epstein Files Coverage: Why It Matters
MSNOW has been among the cable and streaming outlets covering Ted Lieu's high-profile campaign to hold the DOJ accountable on the Epstein files. The network, which archived coverage of Lieu's appearances in early February 2026, has provided a platform for Democratic lawmakers arguing that the Trump administration is selectively releasing and withholding documents in violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. An NPR investigation published on February 24, 2026, found that over 50 pages of FBI interview notes and records referencing sexual abuse allegations tied to Trump appeared to have been withheld or temporarily removed from the public DOJ database. Lieu responded to that report by accusing the Justice Department of an active cover-up.
Ted Lieu Escalates: DOJ Rapid Response Fires Back
The war of words intensified on February 18, 2026, when the DOJ Rapid Response account publicly accused Ted Lieu of pushing "baseless" claims. Lieu fired back within hours, calling the DOJ's account dishonest and demanding transparency. He cited specific FBI documents he claimed showed credible tips that should have triggered formal witness interviews. The back-and-forth drew widespread attention on social media and fueled multiple days of coverage on MSNOW and other outlets covering the Epstein file fight.
Ted Lieu's Broader Legislative Push in 2026
Beyond the Epstein files fight, Ted Lieu has been an active legislator in the 119th Congress. In February 2026, he introduced the AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026 and has co-sponsored several oversight and civil liberties bills. He has also called for ICE and CBP to stand down from interior operations and remains one of the most outspoken members of Democratic leadership as House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair alongside Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
What's Next for Ted Lieu and the Epstein File Battle
With the DOJ still facing pressure over its disclosure obligations under federal law, Ted Lieu shows no sign of backing down. He has vowed to continue pushing for a full, unredacted release of the Epstein files and is expected to use upcoming oversight hearings and MSNOW appearances to keep public focus on whether the Justice Department is protecting political allies rather than following the law.
