Across Europe, the Jeffrey Epstein revelations have triggered a wave of accountability that has toppled diplomats, royals, and corporate leaders alike.
In Norway, a senior diplomat has been suspended, while a police investigation has been opened into a former prime minister.
In the U.K., former ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson was dismissed and resigned from the House of Lords amid inquiries over alleged sharing of market-sensitive information with Epstein.
Prince Andrew, now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was stripped of his royal titles and residence, and a charity founded by his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has closed indefinitely after emails surfaced in which she lauded Epstein as a “legend” and “the brother I have always wished for.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also faced public scrutiny over his appointment of Mandelson, issuing a formal apology to Epstein’s victims for failing to prevent these associations.
“I am sorry,” Starmer said, “for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him, and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.”
Across the Atlantic, the fallout has been far less severe. No prominent American politicians have been forced to resign, and most public figures linked to Epstein have largely escaped significant consequences.
Former President Donald Trump, whose connections to Epstein have resurfaced in newly released legal documents, has denied wrongdoing and maintained that he had a falling out with Epstein years ago. The Republican Party has largely closed ranks around him.
In the Cabinet, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has faced scrutiny after emails indicated he visited Epstein’s Caribbean island despite previously saying he vowed to avoid Epstein entirely.
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A spokesperson clarified that Lutnick’s interactions were limited and did not involve wrongdoing. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon defended general counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, who received gifts from Epstein, while Dr. Peter Attia, a CBS News contributor, remained on his post despite emails with Epstein discussing explicit topics unrelated to sexual abuse.
Several American figures have stepped down, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp, and David Ross of the Whitney Museum, all citing shame over their associations with Epstein.
Yet many high-profile elites, including Steve Bannon and Elon Musk, have emerged relatively unscathed. Bannon continues his political commentary platform, while Musk dismissed the file releases as “performative” without arrests.
Observers note the contrast between Europe and the U.S. may be a product of the Trump era’s political climate.
“Those who should feel shame are hunkering down instead,” said Norm Eisen, former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic. Rufus Gifford, former ambassador to Denmark, echoed the concern, suggesting the muted reaction reflects a broader societal problem beyond Trump himself.
While Europe enforces consequences and sparks public reflection, the U.S. appears to have drawn a line between reputational damage and career-ending accountability, leaving Epstein’s American associates largely insulated from the fallout that has shaken elites across the Atlantic.