A New York psychologist has publicly called for an independent investigation into Donald Trump, alleging that he sexually exploited her when she was a child.

Dr Larissa Portnoff, a licensed clinical psychologist who trained at Columbia University, made the statements in video clips posted to Instagram.

'This cannot be investigated while Donald J. Trump holds power, he cannot investigate his own crimes,' Portnoff wrote in an accompanying statement.

She claimed the alleged targeting began when she was around eight years old and continued through her teenage years.

Portnoff also urged authorities to include Jeffrey Epstein's victims in a separate, formal legal proceeding involving Trump.

'The Jeffrey Epstein victims I believe should be included in that case due to the severe mishandling and abuse they endured publicly,' she stated. She noted that many survivors experienced prolonged emotional distress 'while waiting on the release of the DOJ files.'

A White House spokesperson denied the allegations, calling them 'false and slanderous' and saying Trump had never met or heard of Portnoff. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Independent Probe Urged Over Alleged Childhood Exploitation

Portnoff said she had previously made allegations anonymously under the name 'Jane Doe'. The details of any earlier report, including which authority may have received it, could not be independently verified.

Addressing followers online, she clarified her decision to speak directly rather than through intermediaries.

'I want the message to come from me directly, in my own words,' Portnoff said. 'Evidence belongs to the appropriate authorities, where certain records are sealed, especially for child minors.'

She referenced a 53-page staff report released by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on 26 October 2026. The report examined accounts involving 11 women and alleged links between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, and called for an independent investigation.

The report discussed accounts involving 11 women. Five directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein's company or presence, while other accounts concerned alleged attempts by Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell to introduce or traffic women to him. The report also discussed connections to the modelling and beauty pageant industries.

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Trump has consistently denied all prior allegations of sexual assault, misconduct, and inappropriate behaviour.

Portnoff expressed concern that the justice system struggles to manage claims against high-profile political figures without bias.

'I think we need to work on the way we speak about these issues as a society and to be more sensitive toward victims,' she added during her video address.

Psychological Trauma and Institutional Barriers To Reporting

Clinical experts frequently document the profound psychological barriers child abuse survivors face when attempting to report alleged abuse years later.

Childhood sexual abuse can have lasting effects on mental health. Some survivors experience anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and other psychological symptoms, although experiences and outcomes vary.

Survivors often delay formal disclosure due to deep fears of public retaliation, isolation, and secondary trauma caused by institutional skepticism.

Portnoff highlighted this dynamic, explaining why she maintained public silence for years before deciding to publish video statements.

'I never wanted to share publicly for many reasons, including safety,' she explained. 'Interestingly, by breaking the isolation and speaking up, I realise that I am not alone and much safer with your support and police.'

She dismissed online rumours questioning her authenticity or claiming the footage was generated by artificial intelligence.

'I am not AI haha! Slightly funny and flattering, but yes, it is me Dr Larissa! No robots, humanity is stronger,' she noted.

Portnoff also called on lawmakers from both major political parties to unite on child protection reforms and legal accountability.

'Beyond Democrats versus Republicans, the abuse of child minors is always wrong,' she said. 'There needs to be accountability, there must be justice.'

Anyone affected by sexual abuse or seeking confidential psychological support can contact specialised healthcare providers or crisis support services for immediate guidance.

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