Epstein classとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

By analogy with ruling class. Coined in early 2026.

名詞

the Epstein class (plural Epstein classes) (US politics)

1. A class of elites in the United States that is associated with Jeffrey Epstein, and possibly involved in his crimes.
   • 2026 March 2, Astead Herndon, Cameron Peters, quoting Ro Khanna, “The “Epstein class,” explained: Why Rep. Ro Khanna isn’t done talking about the Epstein files”, in Vox‎, archived from the original on 6 March 2026:

     Can you give us a status update [on the Epstein files]? How much is still out there?
     At least 50 percent still has been hidden, covered up. But what has been released is shocking. [Rep. Thomas] Massie and I didn’t think we’d get this far. They’ve released a fair amount. They’re keeping the worst stuff, but what they’ve released is not a good look at our elite class. It’s not a good look at the Epstein class.

2. (derogatory, collective) Wealthy and powerful people; billionaires.
   • 2026 February 11, David Wallace-Wells, quoting Jon Ossoff, “Affordability and the ‘Epstein Class’ Will Define American Politics”, in The New York Times, Opinion:

     “We were told that MAGA was for working-class Americans,” Senator Jon Ossoff, Democrat of Georgia, said in a speech last weekend. “But this is a government of, by and for the ultrarich. It is the wealthiest cabinet ever. This is the Epstein class, ruling our country.”