Trump Attacks Allies Over Epstein Files
MAGA base fuels anger as president dismisses calls for full document release.
Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash from his own supporters as he attempts to steer the conversation away from the ongoing demand for the complete release of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Supporters Demand Transparency
A significant portion of Trump‘s MAGA base is reportedly incensed following a recent announcement from the Department of Justice stating no further files pertaining to the investigation into Epstein‘s crimes and subsequent death in custody would be made public. The department asserts that Epstein did not maintain a “client list” of individuals to whom underage girls were trafficked.
This purported lack of a list has fueled numerous conspiracy theories, including those concerning a “deep state” that Trump and his allies have vowed to expose. Prominent conservative figures like Alex Jones and Laura Loomer have voiced skepticism regarding the administration’s claims, citing past statements from Attorney-General Pam Bondi that suggested she possessed such a list, and an initial release of declassified files that implied further documents would follow.
Trump’s Shifting Stance
Trump‘s position on the matter appears inconsistent. While he previously pledged to release all documents related to the Epstein investigation during his campaign, he now seems to endorse his administration’s decision to withhold them. In recent weeks, Trump has oscillated between criticizing supporters for their interest, labeling the case files a “hoax,” and suggesting that Ms. Bondi should release any documents she deems credible.
These strategies have so far failed to quell the discontent among his most dedicated followers. A post on Truth Social, which claimed the Democratic Party fabricated the files to target him, did little to appease his base. The post received significantly more critical comments than likes, indicating widespread disapproval among his loyal supporters.
“Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats (sic) work … because I don’t want their support anymore!”
—Donald Trump
Trump later described those demanding the files’ release as “stupid Republicans” who were “wasting their time.”
Political Fallout and Expert Analysis
“The value of conspiratorial fabrications is they help people get political power — something Mr. Trump has been skilled in exploiting,” noted Russell Muirhead, a political science professor at Dartmouth College. He suggested that Trump must offer transparency on the issue or risk alienating his most fervent supporters.
Harry Melkonian, an honorary associate at the United States Studies Centre, commented that the president was “reaping what he’s sown,” having initially promised full transparency on the Epstein matter. “He certainly fed all of this about Epstein, and that he was going to be transparent about it, release everything about it,” Dr. Melkonian stated. “And now that he’s in a position of authority, he says, ‘Well, there’s nothing to release’, and his attorney-general says there’s nothing to release, there is no such list.”
Recent polling indicates a potential decline in Trump‘s popularity over his handling of the situation. A Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 35 percent of self-identified Republicans disapproved of his approach. Another YouGov-Economist poll found that 79 percent of Americans believe all case documents should be released. This could prove “extremely damaging” as it risks alienating his core base.
“For some portion of this set of conspiracy theory believers, no amount of contradictory evidence will ever be enough,” observed Josephine Lukito, who studies conspiracy theorists at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Melkonian agreed, stating the administration is in a “very difficult catch 22” because they “convinced people that they’re in a cover-up.” He added, “Once they believe it, the more you deny that it exists, the more they’re going to believe it.”
Matt Dallek, a political scientist at George Washington University, concluded that it is challenging for administrations to retract previous statements on conspiracy theories, noting, “The faulty assumption Trump and others make is they can peddle conspiracy theories without any blowback.” He likened the situation to an attempt to put a genie back in a bottle, suggesting the Epstein case exemplifies how difficult that can be.
