Epstein's Former Assistant Testifies to Congress, Names Staff Members and Describes Trump Phone Calls
Lesley Groff, Jeffrey Epstein's personal assistant for 18 years, testified before Congress on Tuesday and provided names of people in Epstein's orbit while describing her role arranging appointments and phone calls. Groff claimed she was unaware of Epstein's crimes and believed the young women she booked for massages were legitimate massage therapists. The testimony is significant because Groff was previously named as an unindicted co-conspirator and multiple victims have identified her as instrumental in facilitating abuse.
Lesley Groff, who worked as Jeffrey Epstein's personal assistant from 2001 to approximately 2019, testified in a closed-door House Oversight Committee session and provided lawmakers with names of staff and associates from Epstein's circle. During questioning, Groff acknowledged arranging multiple phone calls between Epstein and then-private citizen Donald Trump before Trump's 2016 election, though she characterized these calls as infrequent and did not specify timing. Groff maintained she was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities, claiming he was a master manipulator who deliberately concealed his crimes from her and that she believed the young women she scheduled for massages were legitimate massage therapists. However, her testimony drew skepticism from some Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Stephen Lynch, who questioned how she could remain ignorant of Epstein's activities over an 18-year period. The White House responded by stating Trump has been "totally exonerated" on Epstein-related matters and highlighted his cooperation with congressional investigations. Groff has not faced criminal charges, though she was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement and has been identified by multiple victims as the key person who facilitated access to Epstein for abuse.
What's missing
The article does not explain the significance of the timing of this testimony—why Congress is conducting these hearings now in 2025 and what prompted the renewed focus on Epstein associates. Additionally, the article lacks detail on what specific legal or investigative purpose the naming of staff members serves or whether there are ongoing criminal investigations into other Epstein associates.
How coverage differed
The Newsweek article presents Groff's testimony relatively straightforwardly while including both Republican praise (Comer calling her "compelling") and Democratic skepticism (Lynch's criticism of inconsistencies). The White House statement defending Trump is included prominently, balancing coverage between Groff's claims about arranging Trump calls and Trump's denial of wrongdoing.
What different sources said
- NewsweekCenter
Epstein Files Update: Personal Assistant Gives Congress 'A Lot of Names'
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