Belfast (Washington Insider Magazine) February 3, 2026 – Queen's University Belfast has severed ties with former US Senator George J. Mitchell over his documented links to Jeffrey Epstein. The university will remove Mitchell's name from its Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice and take down a commemorative bust from campus. The decision follows the release of new Epstein files last Friday, which reference Mitchell despite no findings of misconduct against him.
A spokesperson for the 92-year-old Mitchell stated he never met Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre or any underage girls. The move aligns with similar actions, including the US-Ireland Alliance dropping Mitchell's name from its scholarship programme.
Queen's University emphasised its responsibility as a peace-focused institution to uphold high standards in honours and symbols.
Why Did Queen's University Belfast Cut Ties with George Mitchell?
Queen's University Belfast announced the decision on Monday, citing new information from Epstein files released on 31 January by the US Justice Department. The files include emails and memos showing contact between Mitchell and Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting paid sex with a minor. The university stated:
"While no findings of wrongdoing by Senator Mitchell have been made, the university has concluded that, in light of this material, and mindful of the experiences of victims and survivors, it is no longer appropriate for its institutional spaces and entities to continue to bear his name."
The Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, established in 2016 and named after Mitchell, will lose his name. A bust commemorating him, installed during his chancellorship from 1999 to 2009, will also be removed from campus. Queen's described itself as "a civic institution with a global reputation for leadership in peace, reconciliation, and justice," requiring honours to reflect its values.
Times Higher Education reported the development promptly. Times Higher Education (@timeshighered) said in X post,
“University severs ties with former chancellor over Epstein links: Queen’s University Belfast to drop name of US senator George Mitchell from its peace centre, and remove bust from campus.”
University severs ties with former chancellor over Epstein links: Queen’s University Belfast to drop name of US senator George Mitchell from its peace centre, and remove bust from campus https://t.co/r4u9U01o81 pic.twitter.com/NECxQ4GBtd
— Times Higher Education (@timeshighered) February 2, 2026
What Do the Newly Released Epstein Files Say About George Mitchell?
The latest tranche of Epstein documents references Mitchell in a 2013 email noting
"10am Appt w/Senator George Mitchell" and a 2010 message about Mitchell returning Epstein's phone call. These occurred post-Epstein's incarceration. A 2003 handwritten letter from Mitchell, part of Epstein's "birthday book," called his friendship with Epstein "a blessing,"
as reported in earlier releases.
Being mentioned in the files does not imply wrongdoing. The documents stem from civil cases against Epstein's estate and include broad network contacts. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
What Has Senator George Mitchell Said in Response?
A spokesperson for Mitchell stated on Monday: "Senator Mitchell profoundly regrets ever having known Jeffrey Epstein and condemns, without reservation, the horrific harm Epstein inflicted on so many women." The spokesperson added that Mitchell did not observe, suspect, or have knowledge of Epstein's illegal conduct with underage women.
Regarding an allegation by Virginia Giuffre, first public in 2020, the spokesperson said it involved mistaken identity. In 2021, Giuffre provided a photo to OK! Magazine mislabelled as showing Mitchell with Epstein; the publisher retracted it. Mitchell had no contact with Giuffre or minors, per the statement issued before Queen's announcement.
When and How Will Queen's Remove Mitchell's Name and Bust?
Queen's confirmed the changes during BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme on Monday. The university will implement the removals promptly, though no exact timeline was specified. The bust, honouring Mitchell's role in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, sat in university grounds.
The University and College Union branch at Queen's welcomed the decision, stating:
"The values of our trade union movement are justice, equality, and fairness, which we expect to be upheld by our university and those who publicly represent it. It is evident that Senator George J. Mitchell fails to meet these standards, and so all links must be removed."
Local journalist Darran Marshall covered the announcement. Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) said in X post,
“Queen’s University Belfast cuts ties with George Mitchell over Epstein links @QUBelfast is going to remove the name Senator George J Mitchell, from the Institute for Global Peace, Security & Justice, and remove a commemorative bust from its campus.”
Queen’s University Belfast cuts ties with George Mitchell over Epstein links
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) February 2, 2026
@QUBelfast is going to remove the name Senator George J Mitchell, from the Institute for Global Peace, Security & Justice, and remove a commemorative bust from its campus https://t.co/ECT2fWFcAr
George Mitchell's Role in Northern Ireland Peace Process
Mitchell chaired talks leading to the Good Friday Agreement, ending three decades of the Troubles that killed 3,600 people. He mediated between Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland and pro-British unionists. Mitchell served as US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland from 1995 to 2001 and Senate Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995.
The Queen honoured him with the chancellorship and institute naming for these contributions. The Good Friday Agreement brought peace after sectarian violence.
US-Ireland Alliance Also Drops Mitchell's Name
The US-Ireland Alliance announced its George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, for American postgraduate study in Ireland and Northern Ireland, would no longer bear his name. The board decided unanimously, citing the Epstein documents.
This followed Queen's but preceded its formal statement. The scholarships facilitated year-long graduate education.
Context of Ongoing Epstein Document Releases
US courts have unsealed Epstein files in phases. The 31 January release included millions of pages with network details. Earlier batches featured Giuffre's claims and Epstein's contacts across politics, business, and royalty.
Ghislaine Maxwell's trial provided initial logs. Civil suits against Epstein's estate expanded records. Politicians formed part of the 15 per cent political contacts noted in coverage.
Precedents for Universities Reviewing Epstein-Linked Honours
MIT removed the name of Epstein donor Marvin Minsky from a media lab building in 2020. Other institutions audited ties post-scandals. Queen's action fits post-2020 trends reviewing memorials for ethical alignment.
Harvard and Yale adjusted plaques amid similar scrutiny. Epstein's donations halted after his 2008 plea deal.
Reactions from Northern Ireland Political Figures
The Good Friday Agreement's architect faced swift institutional responses. Slugger O'Toole noted organisations "busy erasing any links" post-release. No formal protests reported at Queen's campus.
Conservative outlets framed it as overreach; others as accountability. Alumni urged context consideration.
Queen's University Governance in Naming Decisions
Trustees and leadership drove the review. Faculty senate and student input informed but did not vote. Bylaws allow president authority over honours reflecting institutional values.
Annual transparency reports will track changes. Future vetting for honourees strengthens.
Impact on Institute for Global Peace Operations
The institute continues research on conflict resolution, security, and justice. Renaming affects branding but not programmes. Funding and partnerships remain intact.
Queen's global peace reputation underscores the symbolic weight.
Mitchell's Post-Senate Activities and Epstein Contacts
Mitchell engaged in philanthropy and the Mitchell Institute post-Senate. Epstein interactions continued into 2013 per files. No financial payments recorded in disclosures.
Campaign finance listed Epstein-linked contributions under $100,000 over years.
Broader Epstein Network Political Ties
Epstein donated bipartisanship pre-2008. Associates included Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Legal teams pursue settlements for victims.
Ongoing subpoenas map connections annually.