House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announced plans to hold a hearing featuring victims of Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking charges. The hearing represents part of ongoing congressional efforts to examine Epstein's connections and activities.

Separately, Bard College President Leon Botstein addressed his staff this week regarding his past communications with Epstein. According to sources present at the meeting, Botstein told employees he could not have known Epstein was "reprehensible" during their interactions, noting that Epstein was already a convicted sex offender at the time. Botstein predicted he would soon be cleared of any impropriety in their relationship.

The liberal arts college's board of trustees hired law firm WilmerHale in February to conduct an independent investigation into communications between Epstein and Botstein. WilmerHale confirmed the review remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, former President Trump commented in an interview about his wife's previous statements regarding Epstein. Trump said he had known the former First Lady wanted to address rumors about the late sex offender but had not known exactly what she planned to say.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His extensive network of connections to prominent figures in politics, academia, and business has continued to draw scrutiny and investigation.