Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds Majority Believe Epstein Files Prove Powerful Avoid Consequences (2/19/26)

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds that a large majority of Americans believe the recently released files connected to Jeffrey Epstein reveal a broader pattern in which wealthy and powerful figures in the United States are rarely held accountable for their actions. About 69% of respondents said the statement that the Epstein files “show that powerful people in the U.S. are rarely held accountable” reflected their views very or extremely well, and another 17% agreed somewhat. This sentiment cut across party lines, with more than 80% of both Republicans and Democrats saying the statement described their thinking at least somewhat well. The poll, conducted online with 1,117 U.S. adults and a 3-point margin of error, came shortly after the U.S. Justice Department released millions of pages of records showing Epstein’s ties to prominent figures in politics, business, finance and academia.While some corporate leaders have resigned in the wake of the disclosures, others who had contact with Epstein remain in powerful posts, and individuals such as the Trump administration’s Commerce Secretary and health official Dr. Mehmet Oz are noted in the documents without being accused of crimes. The issue remains politically charged: a significant portion of Republicans (67%) said it’s time for the country to move on from talking about the Epstein files, compared with only 21% of Democrats. The poll reflects widespread skepticism about elite accountability and highlights partisan differences over how long the controversy should continue to figure in public debate.to contact me:[email protected]:Americans believe Epstein files show the powerful get a pass, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds | Reuters