Epstein Files Shake Europe as US Reaction Muted/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents have triggered resignations, investigations and political crises across Europe. Senior figures in Britain and Scandinavia have fallen over post-conviction ties to Epstein. In contrast, the U.S. response has been comparatively restrained despite similar disclosures.
Epstein Files Fallout: Quick Looks
- Epstein documents spark resignations across Europe
- British ambassador fired, PM faces leadership backlash
- Scandinavian officials step down amid investigations
- Prince Andrew already stripped of royal roles
- U.S. figures face fewer immediate consequences
- Experts cite cultural and political accountability gaps
Deep Look: Epstein Files Shake Europe as US Reaction Muted
LONDON — A sweeping release of U.S. government documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein has triggered an extraordinary political reckoning across Europe, toppling senior officials, damaging royal households and igniting criminal and parliamentary investigations — even as the fallout in the United States has so far been comparatively muted.
The disclosures, made public by the U.S. Department of Justice after bipartisan pressure in Congress, detail Epstein’s extensive contacts with global elites long after his 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. While none of the newly implicated European figures are accused of sexual crimes, many are facing consequences for maintaining relationships with Epstein despite his criminal record.
Among the most dramatic casualties is Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to Washington and now faces a potential criminal investigation. Mandelson’s ties to Epstein continued years after Epstein served prison time, including correspondence in which Mandelson appeared to celebrate Epstein’s release.
The scandal has rippled upward to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose judgment in appointing Mandelson has triggered a leadership crisis. Police are now investigating whether Mandelson committed misconduct in public office by allegedly sharing sensitive government information with Epstein.
Starmer has apologized to Epstein’s victims and pledged to release documents showing Mandelson misled vetting officials — but angry lawmakers say that may not be enough to save his leadership.
Britain’s reckoning follows years of scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, who lost his royal titles, patronages and public funding after settling a civil lawsuit with one of Epstein’s accusers. Andrew continues to face pressure to testify in the United States.
Legal experts say Europe’s rapid response reflects deeper cultural and political differences.
“If you’re in those files in Britain, it’s immediately a major story,” said Rob Ford of the University of Manchester. “There’s still a sense that certain associations are simply unacceptable.”
Across Europe, officials in Norway, Sweden and Slovakia have resigned or been suspended. Investigations are underway in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, including inquiries into whether Epstein had ties to foreign intelligence services.
One of the most destabilized countries has been Norway, where prosecutors have opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who also once chaired the Nobel Peace Prize committee.
Norwegian diplomats Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul have also been ensnared. Juul was suspended after it emerged that Epstein left the couple’s children $10 million in his will shortly before his death in a New York jail in 2019.
Even Norway’s monarchy has been shaken. Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologized publicly after documents revealed her friendly exchanges with Epstein, including plans for visits, shopping trips and personal appointments.
By contrast, the U.S. response has been more restrained. While some American figures have faced consequences — including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who stepped back from academic roles, and law firm chair Brad Karp, who resigned — many others have not.
Associates such as Steve Bannon, Howard Lutnick and Elon Musk have acknowledged contact with Epstein but have not faced formal sanctions. Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s private island.
Former President Bill Clinton has been compelled to testify before Congress about his relationship with Epstein, while President Donald Trump continues to face questions about past social contact. Neither has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims.
Analysts suggest structural differences may explain the divergence.
“There is something about parliamentary systems,” said Alex Thomas, noting that prime ministers must retain parliamentary confidence, “that accelerates accountability.”
The Epstein documents also reveal the financier’s interest in global politics, including correspondence with Peter Thiel discussing Britain’s 2016 Brexit vote as part of a broader political shift.
Chatham House analyst Grégoire Roos said the files expose the “depth of access Epstein had to people who were not only powerful, but ascending.”
Whether similar accountability emerges in the United States remains unclear. For now, the Epstein files have left Europe grappling with a far-reaching reckoning — one that continues to reshape political careers, institutions and public trust.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.