St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Brad Paquette, a public official and Michigan state legislator, posted several statements on his social media account in mid-July 2025 regarding topics including religious sentiments and ongoing discussions about the Jeffrey Epstein case.

On July 15, 2025, Paquette wrote: "There is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit today."

Later that same day, he addressed the release of information related to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged blackmail activities. In his post, Paquette stated: "Releasing the information concerning who Epstein was blackmailing for sexual crimes against children is all important, yes.

That's why you don't pin it hastily to completely unrelated cryptocurrency legislation to bash republicans... super shady move on something so important." The statement refers to debates over legislative efforts that have attempted to link the disclosure of Epstein-related documents with unrelated policy measures.

On July 16, 2025, Paquette commented on former President Donald Trump's previous remarks regarding Epstein. He wrote: "Trump's interview with Friedman last year says a lot.

'A lot of big people'

'It's very interesting'

'Endangers certain people'

The Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, was behind Trump yesterday as he now calls the Epstein matter boring.

Lutnick was Epstein's neighbor who"

Jeffrey Epstein was a financier who died in jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking of minors. His connections to influential figures and subsequent death led to widespread speculation and ongoing investigations into his network and possible co-conspirators.

Debates about legislative transparency and the handling of evidence linked to high-profile criminal cases like that involving Epstein have continued at both state and national levels. Concerns have been raised when unrelated policy matters are combined with sensitive disclosures during legislative proceedings.