Washington erupted in controversy this week as Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, delivered a scathing assessment of billionaire Les Wexner’s role in Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal enterprise. Garcia directly accused the retail magnate of providing the massive financial backing that enabled Epstein to perpetrate serious abuse of women over many years.
The explosive comments came immediately after a grueling six-hour closed-door deposition of the 88-year-old Wexner at his sprawling estate in New Albany, Ohio, on February 18, 2026. Garcia, joined by fellow Oversight Democrats including Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Stephen Lynch, Yassamin Ansari, Dave Min, and Rashida Tlaib, emerged unconvinced by Wexner’s repeated claims that he had been “conned” and knew nothing about Epstein’s wrongdoing.
“There is no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner,” Garcia told reporters outside the deposition. He pointed to evidence showing roughly one billion dollars transferred, provided in stocks, or given directly from Wexner to Epstein over two decades. “Without the financial assistance of Les Wexner, there would be no Epstein island, no Epstein plane, and no money to traffic women,” the California Democrat added forcefully.
Democrats on the committee expressed deep skepticism about Wexner’s testimony, describing portions of it as lacking credibility and at times “blatant lies.” Garcia noted that Wexner minimized his personal relationship with Epstein despite extensive reporting and documents suggesting the two men were close for years. Wexner, the founder of L Brands and longtime backer of Victoria’s Secret, had hired Epstein as his financial manager in the 1980s, a relationship that reportedly funneled enormous wealth to the late financier.
The deposition marked a significant step in the House Oversight Committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network and the federal government’s handling of related files. Subpoenas had already been issued to Wexner, Epstein estate executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, and other associates following bipartisan motions. Garcia has emphasized that the probe is focused squarely on “following the money” and ensuring full accountability, no matter how powerful the individuals involved.
The sharp accusations have sent shockwaves across Capitol Hill and beyond, reigniting intense public scrutiny of elite financial ties that allegedly sustained Epstein’s operations. Garcia and Oversight Democrats have vowed to expand the investigation, inviting anyone with credible information to come forward. They plan additional depositions, potential field hearings, and continued pressure on the Department of Justice for complete transparency.
As questions mount about how Epstein’s activities persisted for so long, Garcia’s pointed remarks underscore a central theme: powerful enablers must be held responsible. With the Oversight Committee Democrats refusing to back down, the pressure on figures like Les Wexner continues to intensify, demanding answers long sought by survivors and the American public.
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