After months of delaying and attempting in several ways to prevent the release of the Epstein Files, President Trump signed a bill on Wednesday, Nov. 19 allowing their public release. The release of these files, which contain the previously confidential communication between convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and several high-profile and powerful individuals, including the current president, should mark an important step forward in the justice process. Several prominent figures in America have already stepped down from public life or powerful positions upon the release of the files exposing their connections to Epstein. The release of these files also potentially helps several victims, who have been pushing for the release of these files, reach a place of closure after years of being ignored or scorned by the media. The disclosure of the Epstein files is a good thing for all of these reasons, but it should have been done years ago.
Donald Trump only began encouraging the release of the Epstein files once it became increasingly clear that, between public and Congressional support, it was likely going to happen anyway. It is also worth noting that the bill signed by Donald Trump allows for several key documents to remain confidential.
The public conversation around the Epstein files has also become increasingly concerning. I have heard many Wellesley students join a digital chorus of young people focused intently on the release of one specific email, in which Jeffrey Epstein speaks of the existence of a photo of Donald Trump blowing “Bubba,” which many have come to interpret as either a horse or Bill Clinton. The exchange is genuinely funny, and it is worth some level of outraged laughter.
I have seen far fewer students meaningfully address other prominent Democrats or liberal leaders named in these files, and even fewer reflect on the impact on victims’ lives or stop to think about who these victims are. I enjoy making fun of American politics as much as anyone, as I genuinely think it can be an effective tool to get more people curious about the state of our government. Humor can be essential to relieving the feeling of powerlessness that accompanies much of the action taken by the Trump administration in recent months. However, most Wellesley students are choosing to take the release of the Epstein files as an opportunity to dunk on Trump rather than critically engage with current issues. This is reflective of much larger trends amongst young people’s engagement in politics, or more accurately, infotainment.
I recognize that it is functionally impossible to be fully “caught-up” on politics as the busy people that all Wellesley students are. But if you are aware enough of the news to take the opportunity to make fun of Donald Trump’s potential BJ with Bill Clinton, you should also be engaged enough to know the names of at least some of Epstein’s victims. You should be engaged enough to know that the Trump administration is bombing several alleged smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. You should be aware of the U.S. peace proposal in the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. You should be aware of the changes happening in your own community: the ending of the Teacher Scholars Program and the shutdown of the Paulson Initiative. It is difficult to keep up with the news, but for students as brilliant as the ones at Wellesley, the only way you engage with the news should not be solely rooted in humor and social media quips.
Contact the editors responsible for this article: Caitlin Donovan, Avery Finley
