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House Speaker Mike Johnson drew criticism this week after initially backing the full disclosure of the government's Epstein files, then blocking a vote that would have allowed their release. His reversal comes amid growing MAGA tensions as President Trump calls the Epstein saga "boring" and urges his base to move on.
What to Know:
- Johnson told a podcast he supports transparency, but blocked the House vote.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed his stance, then voted against disclosure.
- Trump now calls the Epstein controversy "boring" and a "hoax," blaming "fake news" and past supporters.
- DOJ and FBI previously released a memo stating that no client list exists, and that Epstein died by suicide.
- Rep. Thomas Massie is pushing for a vote through a discharge petition.
- The reversal has fueled GOP infighting over how to handle the controversy.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Jul 16, 2025 at 07:55 PM EDT
Trump takes another swing at ‘naive’ Republicans
Donald Trump has fired more criticism at Republicans over their demands for the president to keep his campaign promise to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.
During a phone-in interview with Real America's Voice, Trump said he hopes to see the FBI look into "this Jeffrey Epstein hoax" before repeating the claim that that it had been "put out by Democrats."
"Some of the naïve Republicans fall right into line like they always do just they don't have the sustainability, they don't have the something, they don't have that stick to it like glue," he said.
"The Democrats they have bad policies... they have bad everything but they stick together. The Republicans don't do that."
Jul 16, 2025 at 07:43 PM EDT
Trump suggests Biden administration could have tampered with Epstein files
President Donald Trump has suggested that the Biden administration may have tampered with the Jeffrey Epstein files during Joe Biden's term as president.
The Department of Justice was "run by the Biden admission for four years, I can imagine what they put in the files," Trump said, referring to the Epstein-related documents, during a phone-in interview with Real America's Voice.
"Just like they did with the others," he added. "The Steele dossier was a total fake that took two years to figure that out for the people.
"So I would imagine if they were run by Chris Ray, and they were run by [James] Comey, because it was even before the administration they had been running those files," he said referring to the former FFBI directors.
"And so many of the things that we found were fake with me," Trump added. It was not clear in his final statement which documents or files he was referring to.
Jul 16, 2025 at 06:43 PM EDT
Rep. Van Drew calls for ‘full transparency’ after joining Massie’s petition
Rep. Jeff Van Drew has become the latest Republican to join the cosponsors on Rep. Thomas Massie's legislation to force the release of the Epstein files.
"The American people deserve full transparency," Van Drew said in a post on X.
He joins GOP Reps. Eli Crane, Massie, Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Eric Burlison, Tim Burchett.
Meanwhile, Democrat Ro Khanna, who introduced the petition with Massie, said he was ready to deliver all 212 Democrat votes on their legislation.
Jul 16, 2025 at 06:35 PM EDT
Rep. Khanna says Trump is being rationed on social media over Epstein files
Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna said that President Donald Trump was facing so much backlash over the Jeffrey Epstein file debacle that he was being "ratioed" by his own party on social media.
"This is the first time he's getting rationed on Truth Social by his own base," Khanna said on CNN Wednesday, "His own base knows that it's not true."
"Ratioed" refers to when a post on social media, for example X, receives significantly more replies and quote tweets than it does likes and retweets, suggesting that people are interacting with it negatively.
Khanna, who has introduced a bill with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, to force the release of the Epstein files said that Massie had already gathered seven Republican cosponsors, while he was ready to deliver all 212 Democrat votes on their legislation.
"So we already have the threshold to get a vote on this and I expect that count is going to continue to go up today and tomorrow," he added.
Jul 16, 2025 at 04:36 PM EDT
MTG says she’s ‘proudly’ backing legislation to force release of Epstein-related documents,
Marjorie Taylor Greene said Wednesday that she was "proudly" backing a petition to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
"I am proudly cosponsoring and will sign the discharge petition. I will never protect pedophiles or the elites and their circles," she said on X.
Taylor Green is among several House Republicans co-sponsoring Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna's bipartisan efforts to push through the legislation.
Others include, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Van Drew, Eric Burlison, and Tim Burchett.
Jul 16, 2025 at 03:55 PM EDT
Donald Trump supports special prosecutor for Epstein case, ally says
President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate what he calls the "deep state," including a full probe into the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In an interview previewed by journalist John Solomon on Steve Bannon's War Room, Trump reportedly told Solomon, a longtime ally, in part, "Let's just do it. Let's get the trust of the American people, let's get accountability and then let's focus on the things that matter."
Solomon, founder of Just the News, noted that Trump himself brought up Epstein, saying, "Just throw that into it... I got nothing to hide. I want truth and I want prosecutions."
Solomon's full interview with Trump will air on Real America's Voice at 6 p.m. ET.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Trump blasted his own supporters, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to reduce criticism over his administration's handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.
"Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull****,' hook, line, and sinker," Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. "They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years."
"Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he went on.
Read the full story by Mandy Taheri and Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.
Jul 16, 2025 at 03:40 PM EDT
Kevin Spacey calls for full release of Epstein files amid scrutiny
Actor Kevin Spacey is urging the Trump administration to release all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case, saying, "The truth can't come soon enough." His demand comes as the Department of Justice and FBI face backlash for closing their inquiry without releasing new files, despite earlier suggestions of a "client list" tied to Epstein's network.
Spacey's name appeared in unsealed court documents from a 2015 lawsuit against Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, though he was not accused of wrongdoing. He has since denied any personal connection to Epstein or Maxwell, explaining that his presence on flight logs stemmed from a 2002 humanitarian trip with former President Bill Clinton.
The actor, who has faced and been acquitted of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, said on X: "For those of us with nothing to fear, the truth can't come soon enough. I hate to make this about me, but the media already has".
His comments add to mounting pressure on the administration from both political figures and public voices demanding transparency in the Epstein case.
Jul 16, 2025 at 03:22 PM EDT
GOP lawmakers defy Trump, back push to release Epstein files
A growing number of House Republicans are backing legislation to force the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, despite President Trump's repeated calls to drop the matter. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are leading the bipartisan effort, which gained five new GOP co-sponsors Wednesday: Reps. Lauren Boebert, Jeff Van Drew, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Eric Burlison, and Tim Burchett.
The bill would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to publish all unclassified DOJ and FBI materials tied to Epstein within 30 days, without redactions for political sensitivity. Massie and Khanna plan to file a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and force a vote, requiring 218 signatures.
Speaker Mike Johnson initially appeared to support full transparency but later clarified he was aligned with Trump, who has dismissed the Epstein controversy as a "hoax" and lashed out at supporters demanding answers. The divide has deepened tensions within the GOP, as Trump's base continues to press for accountability.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:57 PM EDT
Trump says he was ‘nothing to hide’ and supports special prosecutor into Epstein case, says interviewer
Donald Trump said he would support Attorney General Pam Bondi appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein case, according to John Solomon who interviewed the president for Just The News.
Solomon said on Wednesday, during an appearance on Real America's Voice with Steve Bannon, that Trump supports a deep state special prosecutor.
He said Trump called it a "good approach" and had emphasized getting the "trust of the American people, let's get accountability and then let's focus on the things that matter", during their interview, Solomon said.
The journalist, a former Fox News contributor, added that Trump had told him he just wants "it all answered."
"I got nothing to hide. I want truth and I want prosecutions and I just want the justice system to take care of what needs to be taken care of," he said Trump told him.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:51 PM EDT
Trump backs special prosecutor for Epstein, deep state probe: Report
Trump said he would support Attorney General Pam Bondi appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the so-called "deep state," including matters related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:48 PM EDT
Speaker Johnson walks back Epstein file remarks amid MAGA backlash
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is attempting to align more closely with Trump after initially calling for full transparency on the government's Jeffrey Epstein files. Johnson had said the administration should "put everything out there and let the people decide," but later claimed his comments were misrepresented, insisting he and Trump share the same position.
Johnson emphasized that any release of information must protect minors and whistleblowers, echoing Trump's recent defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who reversed her earlier claim about possessing a "client list." The DOJ's memo denying such a list and reaffirming Epstein's suicide has sparked outrage among Trump loyalists, some of whom accuse the administration of a cover-up.
The controversy has fractured the MAGA base and drawn criticism from figures like Elon Musk, while Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has introduced a measure to force a House vote on releasing the full files. Johnson now says he supports releasing "credible information" only, aligning with Trump's call to move on from the Epstein saga.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:40 PM EDT
General Flynn contradicts Trump on Epstein files
General Michael Flynn has publicly contradicted President Donald Trump on his claims the Jeffrey Epstein files were a "hoax" and has urged him to hold anyone involved accountable.
In a long post on X, addressed to Trump, Flynn wrote, " I hesitated to write this however, with the utmost respect and deference to you for all you've withstood (few know it better than me what the "deep state" can do when they want to turn on a person).
"The EPSTEIN AFFAIR is NOT about who killed him or if he committed suicide—personally, I'm glad this known pedophile is dead. But neither is this a hoax. This issue goes beyond all that."
Flynn claimed there is an "ongoing undermining by subversive elements inside and outside the USG," which he called the "essence of the deep state."
"All we want at this stage is for a modicum of trust to be reestablished between our federal government and the people it is designed to serve," he continued.
Flynn said that anyone involved with the abuses on Epstein island has to be held accountable.
"Regardless of what class of society abuses and commits crimes against CHILDREN, it is NEVER acceptable. This is where this argument went off the rails. It is NOT about Epstein or the left. It is about committing crimes against CHILDREN," he said.
"If he were part of an intel operation known or run by our CIA (shame on them) and those responsible MUST be held accountable. If there is another country involved, then shame on them as well. If there are elites inside of our country that committed crimes against CHILDREN (shame on them) and they MUST be held ACCOUNTABLE."
Flynn offered his "strongest recommendation"; "please gather your team and figure out a way to move past this."
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:31 PM EDT
Joe Rogan uses Pam Bondi’s words against her in rebuke over Epstein
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Joe Rogan on Tuesday joined the chorus of voices in the MAGA sphere who have gone after Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Department of Justice's (DOJ) handling of its findings from the investigation into disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Rogan ripped Bondi on Tuesday's episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, using her own words against her.
"Why'd they say that?" he said. "Didn't Pam Bondi say that?"
Newsweek reached out to the DOJ for comment via email on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump's base revolted after the DOJ released a two-page memo last week concluding that Epstein died by suicide in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019 and that the government was not in possession of a list of Epstein's clients.
The memo confirmed previous findings by local and federal investigations while dousing years of conspiracy theories and public statements from Trump's base and high-ranking administration officials who said they would release Epstein's "client list."
Read the full story by Sonam Sheth and Anna Commander.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:14 PM EDT
Hawley urges full release of Epstein files, open to Maxwell testimony
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is calling on the Justice Department to make all available documents related to Jeffrey Epstein public, saying the American people deserve transparency. "Let's make it all public and get it out there," Hawley told reporters, expressing skepticism over the DOJ-FBI memo that claimed no client list exists.
Hawley also said he's open to having Epstein's convicted co-defendant, Ghislaine Maxwell, testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Why not put her under oath?" he said.
The remarks come amid continued pressure from Trump supporters, including activist Laura Loomer, who urged the president to appoint a special counsel. Loomer noted Maxwell's ongoing 20-year prison sentence as evidence the case is not a hoax, despite Trump's recent comments downplaying the controversy.
Jul 16, 2025 at 02:02 PM EDT
Trump says he’s ‘lost faith’ in certain supporters over Epstein
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he has "lost faith" in many of his supporters over the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump was speaking after his fiery Truth Social post where he branded the case files surrounding convicted pedophile Epstein a "hoax" and said that, "my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull----,' hook, line, and sinker."
When asked if that meant he was effectively disowning many of his supporters, Trump responded that he was dismissing them all, but that he has "lost a lot of faith in certain people."
Trump once again tried to blame the controversy on the Democrats, saying that they had perpetrated the "hoax." His hoax claims come despite comments from his own FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino who have said they believe there was a potential client list and cover up.
Jul 16, 2025 at 01:17 PM EDT
Howard Lutnick’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein come under scrutiny
Howard Lutnick's real estate ties to financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are once again drawing scrutiny, given the commerce secretary's apparent support for President Donald Trump's dismissal of what he described as "the Epstein case."
A 2019 investigation by Crain's found that Epstein—in addition to his infamous townhouse at 9 East 71st Street in Manhattan, also known as the Herbert N. Straus House—had significant links to the adjacent property, which real estate records show is still owned by Lutnick.
Newsweek has reached out to the Commerce Department for comment on the property and Lutnick's relationship with his former neighbor.
Read in full from Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.
Jul 16, 2025 at 01:01 PM EDT
Trump defends Bondi, distances from Epstein transparency push
President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files, saying she's "done very good" and has already released all "credible information." Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump added, "What more can she do than that?"
The remarks come amid growing pressure from Trump's base to release more documents related to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation. Bondi has faced criticism for previously suggesting she had a "client list" on her desk, a claim she later clarified referred to the broader case file.
Trump also doubled down on his Truth Social post, urging supporters to move on from the Epstein saga. When asked if he was disowning those demanding transparency, he replied, "I've lost a lot of faith in certain people, yeah".
Jul 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump attacks his own supporters over Jeffrey Epstein interest
Jul 16, 2025 at 12:33 PM EDT
Trump allies fracture over Epstein file secrecy
Elon Musk's claim that Donald Trump appears in FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein has widened a rift among the president's supporters, coming just as the administration reversed its promise to release long-sealed documents. The files, rumored to include a "client list," were dismissed by the Justice Department as lacking prosecutable evidence, prompting MAGA influencers to allege a cover-up.
Trump responded by urging supporters to move on from the Epstein saga, calling the financier "somebody that nobody cares about." The shift has shocked those who once believed Trump would expose powerful elites.
The controversy is especially charged given Epstein's ties to high-profile figures across the political spectrum, including Trump himself. Though no wrongdoing has been linked to Trump, his past social connection with Epstein and his recent pivot have heightened suspicions and fractured trust within his base.
Jul 16, 2025 at 12:18 PM EDT
Maxwell family says trial was unfair amid Epstein case fallout
The family of Ghislaine Maxwell says she was denied a fair trial and may pursue new legal options following the Justice Department's recent memo on the Jeffrey Epstein case. Maxwell, 63, is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and is currently appealing her conviction. Her team claims Epstein's 2007 non-prosecution agreement covered her and may file a writ of habeas corpus, arguing government misconduct tainted the outcome.
The statement comes after federal officials declared there is no Epstein "client list" and released limited new information, sparking backlash among Maxwell's supporters. Her lawyer called it "especially unfair," given the government's broken promises. If appeals fail, Maxwell remains behind bars until 2037.
Jul 16, 2025 at 11:52 AM EDT
Fox News’ Bret Baier says Epstein story ‘doesn’t go away’
Fox News anchor Bret Baier acknowledged growing public frustration over President Trump's efforts to downplay renewed scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Opening Tuesday's episode of Special Report, Baier remarked, "The story doesn't go away here," as he introduced coverage of the controversy that continues to dominate political discourse.
While Baier credited Trump for policy achievements on border security and trade, he noted that media attention remains fixated on Epstein. The Justice Department recently concluded that Epstein died by suicide and did not maintain a "client list," a finding that has sparked backlash among Trump's supporters.
In a Truth Social post, Trump dismissed the uproar as a "scam" and accused "selfish people" of distracting from his administration's accomplishments by focusing on "a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein". He also suggested he no longer welcomed support from those demanding transparency.
The controversy has exposed divisions within the MAGA movement. House Speaker Mike Johnson, breaking with Trump, called for the DOJ to release all Epstein-related files, saying, "We should put everything out there and let the people decide."
Jul 16, 2025 at 11:13 AM EDT
Trump tries to quell Epstein backlash as MAGA base revolts
Trump is facing mounting pressure from his own supporters over the Justice Department's decision to halt further disclosures related to Jeffrey Epstein. Once a beneficiary of conspiracy theories that energized the MAGA movement, Trump now finds himself urging allies to move on from what he calls the "boring" and "sordid" Epstein saga.
The controversy erupted after the DOJ reversed its pledge to release Epstein-related documents, prompting outrage among conservative influencers and lawmakers. Despite a memo stating there is no incriminating client list and confirming Epstein's death as a suicide, many in Trump's base remain unconvinced.
In response, the White House is considering options to contain the fallout, including unsealing new records or appointing a special prosecutor. Trump has defended Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously implied such a list existed, and has reached out to MAGA-aligned figures to dial down criticism.
While some influencers like Charlie Kirk have backed off, others—including Rep. Lauren Boebert and Speaker Mike Johnson—continue to demand transparency. The episode has exposed deep rifts within Trump's coalition and tested his grip on the movement he helped build.
Jul 16, 2025 at 10:50 AM EDT
Democrats seize on Epstein controversy to pressure Trump and GOP
Democrats are intensifying calls for transparency in the Jeffrey Epstein case, spotlighting internal GOP divisions and challenging President Trump's efforts to downplay the scandal. After the Justice Department concluded there was no Epstein "client list" and ruled his 2019 death a suicide, prominent MAGA figures pushed back, demanding answers and criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Marc Veasey introduced measures to compel the release of Epstein-related documents. At the same time, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump and his allies of fueling conspiracy theories. "The American people deserve to know the truth," Jeffries said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson broke ranks with Trump, saying, "We should put everything out there and let the people decide." Meanwhile, Democrats are using social media and PAC messaging to highlight Republicans who reversed course on releasing the files, framing the issue as a test of accountability.
With MAGA unrest simmering and Democrats leaning into the controversy, the Epstein fallout continues to ripple through Washington.
Jul 16, 2025 at 10:31 AM EDT
House Speaker joins calls to release Epstein files amid GOP divide
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) broke ranks with Trump on Tuesday, urging the Justice Department to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson said the issue was "a very delicate subject" but emphasized, "we should put everything out there and let the people decide."
His comments come as Trump attempts to downplay the controversy, calling Epstein "somebody that nobody cares about" and describing the case as "pretty boring stuff." The DOJ recently concluded Epstein died by suicide and left no client list, a finding that has fueled backlash among Trump's base.
Johnson also called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to clarify her earlier remarks suggesting she had a list of Epstein's clients "sitting on [her] desk." Bondi responded Tuesday, saying the DOJ memo "speaks for itself."
Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced plans to force a House vote on releasing the full Epstein files, joining Democrats in pushing for transparency. The growing rift within the GOP has become a political flashpoint, with Democrats seizing the moment to pressure Republicans ahead of future votes.
Jul 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM EDT
Trump lashes out at critics over Epstein controversy, calls it a ‘hoax’
Trump dismissed renewed scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein case as a "hoax" orchestrated by Democrats and amplified by former supporters. Comparing it to past controversies like the Steele dossier and the Russia investigation, Trump accused the "Radical Left" of manufacturing scandals to distract from his administration's achievements.
The post comes amid growing backlash from Trump's base over the Justice Department's decision to halt further disclosures related to Epstein, including the alleged client list. Trump claimed the Epstein narrative was being used to undermine his presidency and criticized MAGA influencers for "doing the Democrats' work."
Jul 16, 2025 at 10:03 AM EDT
Epstein’s former lawyer denies existence of client list, defends Trump
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Alan Dershowitz, who previously represented Jeffrey Epstein, has publicly denied the existence of a so-called "client list" tied to the disgraced financier's sex trafficking case. In a recent opinion piece, Dershowitz stated that while the FBI interviewed alleged victims who named individuals, those names were redacted and do not include current officeholders.
He also dismissed claims of incriminating video footage, saying any surveillance at Epstein's Palm Beach home was installed by police in public areas following a reported theft. Dershowitz emphasized that he was unaware of any cameras in guest bedrooms and rejected speculation that Epstein possessed compromising material involving Donald Trump.
According to Dershowitz, Trump's relationship with Epstein ended years before Epstein's death, and he has seen no evidence suggesting Trump engaged in improper or questionable behavior. The statement comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein's connections and mounting pressure for transparency.
Jul 16, 2025 at 09:31 AM EDT
Donald Trump suffers ‘brutal’ polling over Jeffrey Epstein
President Donald Trump has been hit with negative polling regarding the U.S. government's response to the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files.
According to two polls, the majority of Americans think the government is covering up evidence about the late wealthy financier and convicted sex offender.
Mark Mitchell, head pollster at Rasmussen Reports, called the polling "brutal."
The Trump administration has come under increasing pressure in recent days, most notably among the president's supporters, following the Department of Justice's announcement that it would not release the promised Epstein client list, with Attorney General Pam Bondi accused of a lack of transparency.
Read the full story by Kate Plummer on Newsweek.
Jul 16, 2025 at 09:07 AM EDT
Rep. Thomas Massie calls for release of Epstein files, thanks Marjorie Taylor Green for legislation cosponsorship
Rep. Thomas Massie called for the release of the Epstein files, saying: "We all deserve to know what's in the Epstein files, who's implicated, and how deep this corruption goes."
In a separate post, he thanked Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, adding: "Americans deserve transparency and the victims deserve justice."
Jul 16, 2025 at 08:54 AM EDT
Trump defends Bondi, downplays Epstein scrutiny amid MAGA backlash
President Donald Trump has recently expressed frustration over continued attention on the Jeffrey Epstein case, calling it "unbelievable" and a "desecration" during a Cabinet meeting last week. He urged a focus on more urgent issues, such as the deadly flooding in Texas.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has faced criticism from MAGA-aligned influencers over the administration's handling of the Epstein files. "They're all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!" Trump wrote. "We're on one Team, MAGA, and I don't like what's happening."
The remarks come amid growing pressure from Trump's base for transparency and accountability regarding the Epstein investigation.
Jul 16, 2025 at 08:38 AM EDT
Before his second term, Trump fueled speculation around Epstein’s death
Before returning to office, Trump repeatedly suggested that Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death may have been part of a cover-up. He retweeted a post implying former President Bill Clinton was involved, writing that Epstein "had information on Bill Clinton & now he's dead." Trump later said he was calling for a full investigation, echoing then-Attorney General Bill Barr's concerns about "serious irregularities" at the jail where Epstein died.
In a 2023 interview with Tucker Carlson, Trump said he believed Epstein died by suicide but acknowledged that "many people" thought he was murdered. During a 2024 Fox News appearance, Trump hesitated when asked if he would declassify the "Epstein files," saying he would "go a long way toward that one" but warned against releasing "phony stuff" that could harm reputations.
Jul 16, 2025 at 08:23 AM EDT
DOJ memo on Epstein case sparks backlash from Trump’s base
On July 7, the Justice Department released a memo stating that Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a client list and that no further documents from the case would be made public. The unsigned two-page memo, bearing DOJ and FBI logos, cited sealed court materials and victim protection as reasons for withholding additional disclosures.
The announcement marked a sharp reversal from earlier claims by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously suggested extensive evidence was forthcoming. The memo's release triggered outrage among MAGA-aligned influencers, with figures like Laura Loomer and Glenn Beck calling for Bondi's resignation. Podcaster Megyn Kelly criticized Bondi as "either lazy or incompetent," reflecting growing frustration within Trump's base over the administration's handling of the Epstein files.
Jul 16, 2025 at 08:13 AM EDT
Trump administration’s Epstein disclosures spark confusion and backlash
Despite efforts to shift focus, Trump's administration continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. In February, far-right influencers were invited to the White House and given binders labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1," which contained documents broadly already available to the public.
Attorney General Pam Bondi added fuel to speculation in May by claiming there were "tens of thousands of videos" involving Epstein and minors. Her remarks intensified beliefs that key evidence had been withheld. However, individuals involved in the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell prosecutions told the Associated Press they were unaware of any such trove of recordings.
Bondi previously promised transparency, saying, "Everything is going to come out to the public." But conflicting statements and limited new disclosures have left critics questioning the administration's credibility and commitment to revealing the full scope of Epstein's crimes.
Jul 16, 2025 at 08:04 AM EDT
Epstein case fuels conspiracy theories among Trump’s base
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier with ties to powerful figures, was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. He died by suicide in a New York jail a month later, according to investigators. His former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted of aiding in the abuse of underage girls and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The case drew global attention due to Epstein and Maxwell's connections to royals, politicians, and billionaires. It also sparked a wave of conspiracy theories, particularly among supporters of President Donald Trump. Prominent MAGA influencers have claimed Epstein was murdered and that government officials are concealing incriminating evidence, including a supposed client list and video footage.
Trump has echoed some of these suspicions, suggesting a cover-up by "deep state" actors.
Jul 16, 2025 at 07:50 AM EDT
MAGA rift deepens over Epstein case transparency
A growing rift within Trump's base has emerged following the Justice Department's recent conclusion that Jeffrey Epstein left behind no "client list" — a finding that contradicts earlier suggestions from Attorney General Pam Bondi and has ignited backlash among right-wing influencers.
Bondi, who had previously implied that such a list was "on her desk," later clarified that she was referring to the broader case file. Despite promises of transparency and claims of a "truckload" of evidence, the DOJ announced that much of the material remains sealed by court order and will not be publicly released.
This reversal has angered prominent MAGA figures, including Tucker Carlson, Laura Loomer, and Steve Bannon, who accuse the administration of stonewalling its own supporters. Loomer called the DOJ's handling "a complete disappointment," while Bannon warned the fallout could cost Republicans seats in future elections.
The controversy threatens to fracture the movement Trump once galvanized with promises of accountability in the Epstein case. As frustration mounts, some allies are demanding Bondi's resignation, while others urge the administration to fulfill its pledge for full disclosure.
With Trump now urging supporters to "move on" from the Epstein saga, the question remains whether the MAGA base will follow — or continue pressing for answers that may never come.
Jul 16, 2025 at 07:27 AM EDT
Donald Trump attacks his own supporters over Jeffrey Epstein interest
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President Donald Trump attacked his own supporters while answering a question about their interest in Jeffrey Epstein. MAGA supporters have been increasingly critical of Trump following a review by the FBI and the Department of Justice, which found "no incriminating 'client list'" in relation to Epstein.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting further sex trafficking charges. The disgraced financier had well-documented connections to powerful figures, and his death has long prompted numerous conspiracy theories.
Rumors of a "client list" have long circulated online, and during Trump's successful bid for reelection in 2024, he suggested that if voters returned him to the White House, he might release a list of individuals associated with Epstein.
Attorney General Pam Bondi later fueled speculation about such a list when announcing the release of records related to the case. Ultimately, much of what was later distributed had been in the public domain for years.
Late on Monday night, a handful of House Republicans blocked a move that would have forced the administration to release files related to the Epstein investigation. The motion was defeated by a vote of 5 to 7, with Republican Ralph Norman voting alongside Democrats in favor of releasing the documents.
Read the full story by Marni Rose McFall on Newsweek.
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