Calls for Censure Mount Against Rep. Ro Khanna Following Botched Identification of “Epstein Associates”
Washington, D.C. – Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) is facing a wave of public outrage and demands for censure after falsely identifying four innocent individuals as “wealthy, powerful men” linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. The controversy erupted after Khanna read the names into the Congressional Record, only for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to later clarify that the individuals were not accomplices but random citizens featured in an unrelated FBI photo lineup included in the case files.
Deep Search: The FBI Photo Lineup Error
The incident stems from a review of unredacted Epstein files conducted by Rep. Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) at the Department of Justice. Following the review, Khanna took to the House floor to identify six individuals he claimed were being hidden by the DOJ for “no apparent reason.” While two of the names were known associates (such as billionaire Leslie Wexner), four others—Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, and Nicola Caputo—were revealed to have no connection to Epstein’s crimes.
According to DOJ officials, these four men were part of a standard FBI photo lineup (a “six-pack” array) used during the investigation to test witness memory. Their inclusion in the files was procedural, not evidentiary of guilt. Two of the men, Nuara and Mikeladze, have since been identified as having been arrested for unrelated matters years prior, explaining their presence in law enforcement databases, but they were never suspects in the Epstein inquiry.
Objections: The Blame Game
In the wake of the error, Khanna has attempted to deflect responsibility, sparking further criticism. He acknowledged the mistake but explicitly blamed the DOJ for the confusion, arguing that the department failed to provide necessary context or watermarks indicating the document was a photo lineup before he publicized the names. “I wish the DOJ had provided that explanation earlier instead of redacting then un-redacting their names,” Khanna stated, doubling down on his claim that the agency’s lack of transparency led to the blunder.
Critics, however, argue that the Congressman acted with “reckless disregard” for the truth, bypassing standard verification processes to score political points. Legal experts and political commentators have condemned the move as a dangerous misuse of the Speech and Debate Clause—which protects lawmakers from legal liability for statements made on the House floor—leaving the falsely accused individuals with little recourse for defamation. The “mass calls” for censure underscore a growing sentiment that Khanna’s actions endangered private citizens and undermined the integrity of the congressional oversight process.
Background: The Push for Transparency
This transparency push is part of a broader bipartisan effort led by Khanna and Massie to force the release of millions of pages of documents related to the Epstein investigation. The lawmakers have argued that the federal government is protecting high-profile figures who participated in Epstein’s abuse. While the movement has garnered significant public support, this latest gaffe has complicated the narrative, with detractors warning that “transparency at any cost” can lead to collateral damage when complex investigative files are misinterpreted by politicians without law enforcement guidance.
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