Independent journalist Tara Palmeri said her media credentials were revoked and she was escorted from President Donald Trump’s Dallas convention after she questioned a congressional candidate about files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

In a video posted on X, Palmeri said three Epstein survivors had guest passes to enter the convention center.

“We were there for approximately 35 minutes,” Palmeri said. “We were inside of the convention center at 2:05, and we walked toward the stage. And on our right was a gentleman, actually a very kind gentleman, who is running for Congress in the Boston area. He's a Republican. And we asked him about the Epstein files, and it was pretty up front from the beginning that this was a tough subject. I literally used the words, ‘this is a tough subject.’ The three survivors are with me and some of their faces are blurred.”

The candidate was Robert Burke, who is running for Massachusetts’ 8th Congressional District.

“I’m with some survivors of Jeffrey Epstein,” Palmeri told Burke.

“Okay, that’s a great topic,” Burke replied.

“Why is it a great topic?” Palmeri asked.

“We need to know what actually happened from the beginning,” Burke said.

Palmeri said they then discussed accountability and the release of all the files. According to her account, one of the survivors told Burke: “I’m curious, I appreciate your support and your willingness to see how important this is because this is a human rights issue; this isn’t a political issue. It’s about sexual exploitation of girls and young women.”

The conversation ended with a handshake. Palmeri said that eight minutes after the interview began, three security personnel approached the group.

One of the survivors, Marijke Chartouni, said she saw a woman in plain clothes standing nearby and within earshot. Chartouni said the woman made a phone call during the interview, and the security personnel arrived shortly afterward.

The security personnel asked whether Palmeri and the survivors were “carrying signs.”

“I told them we were not. I explained that I was a credentialed member of the media and that the people accompanying me had been admitted as guests. We were carrying clear bags, and I pointed them out to security,” Palmeri wrote in her Substack newsletter, “The Red Letter.”

Palmeri said a guard told her the group was not in an area where media were supposed to be. She responded that they were permitted to speak with the guests because that was the reason the media were present.

The guard replied, “You’re making this more difficult than it has to be.”

“I repeatedly asked why we were being removed. I was told that my media credential was revocable,” Palmeri said.

Security took her pass and escorted her outside. Palmeri said she then tripped and fell on the stairs.

The exchange was filmed, and Palmeri said she would release videos on her YouTube page.

We asked a congressional candidate about the Epstein files at the Republican Midterm Convention. Nine minutes later, security showed up. My press credential was revoked and we were escorted out. Go to to see for yourself. pic.twitter.com/fkN8ZeKjlm — Tara Palmeri (@tarapalmeri) September 11, 2026