House Democrats released a new report arguing Trump was directly involved in Jeffrey Epstein's abuse network, and some are now pushing for a special counsel — a move with real political stakes just before the midterms.

• The report compiles accounts from 11 women, including one new rape allegation from a former pageant contestant, plus groping and assault claims dating back to the 1990s.
• Several accounts tie Trump to underage girls at Epstein properties, though some of the older claims have shaky details and credibility problems.
• The White House denies all the allegations, and no criminal charges have resulted from the report itself.
• Democrats are spending tens of millions on ads hitting Republican senators over Epstein-file votes, and GOP pollsters privately worry it's depressing Republican turnout more than it's firing up Democrats' own base.

Outlook: Expect continued political fallout through the midterms, with Epstein-themed attack ads intensifying and growing pressure for an independent investigation, though a special counsel is not guaranteed.