President Trump has faced significant controversy over his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, particularly after a Justice Department and FBI memo concluded that no “client list” exists and reaffirmed Epstein’s 2019 death as a suicide.
The memo, released last week, sparked outrage among Trump’s MAGA base, who had been promised transparency and revelations about Epstein’s alleged elite associates. Prominent supporters, including far-right figures such as Laura Loomer and podcaster Steve Bannon, have criticized the administration, with Loomer calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s resignation and Bannon warning of potential loss of support ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Elon Musk, a former Trump ally, escalated tensions by urging the release of the files, previously suggesting Trump’s name appeared in them, a claim Trump denied.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump defended Bondi, calling the Epstein controversy a “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats and urging supporters to focus on his administration’s successes. Then on Wednesday, Trump doubled down in the Oval Office, labeling the Epstein case a “hoax” and dismissing calls for transparency as a distraction, without providing evidence. He called Republicans pushing for more disclosure “stupid” and “foolish,” disavowing supporters he labeled “weaklings” for believing the “bullshit” narrative.
This stance has fueled a rift within the MAGA movement, with influencers like Charlie Kirk and Benny Johnson expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises. The administration’s denial of a client list, despite earlier claims by Bondi and others that such a list existed, has led to accusations of a cover-up, even from within Trump’s inner circle. The ongoing backlash, amplified at events like the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, highlights a rare challenge to Trump’s control over his base, with some supporters feeling betrayed by the lack of transparency.
We want to ask you, the reader: are you disappointed by President Trump’s rhetoric over the Epstein case? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on the administration’s handling of the controversy.
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