First Democrat Resigns — Epstein Fallout ERUPTS!
The political aftershocks of newly released Epstein documents are now rippling across Europe — and France’s political establishment is feeling the impact.
Jack Lang, the former French Culture Minister and longtime head of the Arab World Institute in Paris, has stepped down from his leadership role amid mounting scrutiny over alleged past financial ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation follows the January 30, 2026 release of additional Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department under the administration of current President Donald J. Trump.
Lang, 86, is the highest-profile figure in France thus far to be caught up in the latest disclosure. A dominant cultural figure during the Socialist presidency of François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s, Lang had led the Arab World Institute since 2013. He was scheduled to appear before France’s Foreign Ministry — which oversees the institute — but resigned before that meeting took place.
Tax Investigation and Offshore Allegations
French financial prosecutors have opened an inquiry into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, over allegations of “aggravated tax fraud and money laundering.” The investigation follows a report by the French investigative outlet Mediapart, which alleged financial and business links between the Lang family and Epstein through an offshore company registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to reports, Lang’s name appears approximately 600 times in the newly released files. Communications between Lang and Epstein reportedly occurred intermittently between 2012 and 2019. His daughter was also referenced in the documents.
Lang has denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Laurent Merlet, told RTL radio that his client was “very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves.” Merlet further stated, “He put the interests of the Arab World Institute first,” while maintaining that the allegations were “inaccurate.” France’s Foreign Ministry formally confirmed the resignation earlier this week.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has already initiated the search for Lang’s successor.
Political Pressure Mounts
The response from across the French political spectrum was swift.
Maud Bregeon, a spokesperson for the French government, characterized the situation as untenable and described the resignation as “the only possible decision,” pointing to the ethical concerns surrounding the case in addition to the judicial process.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, indicated that Lang effectively had no choice but to step aside to assume responsibility while allowing the courts to conduct their investigation.
Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier offered broader commentary on the matter, cautioning against what he sees as an entrenched culture of impunity among elites. According to RFI, Barnier described that mentality as “unbearable,” arguing that such behavior fuels rising populist anger among French voters — a dynamic increasingly visible across Europe.
Even political rivals found common ground in calling for Lang’s exit. Sandrine Rousseau of the Green Party said the resignation was overdue, while Sebastien Chenu of the National Rally remarked that it was “about time” Lang stepped down, citing both his association with Epstein and the ongoing tax inquiry.
International Repercussions Continue
The release of the Epstein files under President Trump’s administration continues to generate political and cultural consequences far beyond American borders.
In the United States, CBS News contributor Peter Attia severed ties with a wellness brand following renewed scrutiny over email exchanges involving individuals connected to Epstein’s social circle. Multiple media outlets reported that Attia’s communications resurfaced online, sparking criticism.
“Dr. Peter Attia has stepped down from his role as Chief Science Officer at David. We remain focused on serving our customers,” Peter Rahal, founder of the protein bar company, wrote in a post on X.
Attia, a physician and podcaster who joined CBS News as a contributor in 2025, had been associated with the supplement and wellness company before the controversy intensified.
Accountability in the Spotlight
The latest developments underscore how the Epstein scandal — long a symbol of elite corruption and moral decay — continues to expose influential figures years after his death. As more documents come to light, political institutions across the West are once again being forced to confront uncomfortable questions about power, privilege, and accountability.
For many observers, the situation serves as a reminder that the era of quiet cover-ups may be closing — and that even well-connected cultural and political figures are no longer shielded from public scrutiny.