To the editor,

Each week, the headlines grow darker, and the silence from the Republican Party grows louder. No matter how grave the offense, no matter how disturbing the connection, one thing remains constant: the unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump.

This week, it’s child sex trafficking.

Jeffrey Epstein was a sex offender, a trafficker of minors, and one of the most notorious abusers in modern American history. His connection to the wealthy and powerful has long drawn suspicion, but few relationships raise more questions than his with his good friend Donald Trump.

Trump’s own words have painted that picture. In a 2002 interview with New York Magazine, Trump said of Epstein: “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” Trump admitted to knowing Epstein for 15 years and, according to court records, was a frequent guest at Mar-a-Lago and other social circles where Epstein operated. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, has stated in legal filings that Trump was part of Epstein’s world—claims which remain unexamined and entirely ignored by many of his political allies.

Instead of calling for investigation or accountability, the Republican Party has closed ranks. When presented with a bill to declassify documents related to Epstein’s associates that could bring long-overdue justice every Republican in the House voted no. Their rationale? Transparency might reflect poorly on the president.

Let that sink in: protecting the image of Donald Trump took precedence over exposing the full truth of a global child sex trafficking network. The same party that branded itself as protectors of children and champions of “law and order” is now shielding the powerful from scrutiny, even when it involves the abuse of minors.

There appears to be no bottom. No breach of ethics too egregious. No betrayal of American principles too unforgivable. The party of personal responsibility has become the party of personal submission to one man, even if it means protecting child rapists.

History will not forget the silence. And neither will we.

Jacob Proue

Spring Valley