The Justice Department’s refusal to release additional files related to deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein has created one of the biggest splits within President Trump’s MAGA base since he returned to office in January. Here’s what you need to know about the Epstein files MAGA controversy:
The MAGA base split
Two sides emerge over Epstein case handling:
- Trump supporters insist Epstein was murdered in jail cell
- Supporters believe disgraced financier kept list of high-profile clients who engaged in sex with underage girls
- Trump’s Justice Department and FBI insist there is no evidence any of that is true
- Split represents one of biggest divisions since Trump returned to office
The administration officials caught in middle
FBI leadership previously promoted Epstein theories:
- FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino spent years peddling Epstein theories
- Both used considerable media platforms before joining Trump administration
- Told followers government was covering up parts of Epstein case
- Theories were embraced by MAGA base before officials joined government
The broken promises
Public commitments to release files were reversed:
- Trump made public promises during 2024 campaign about Epstein’s client list
- Attorney General Pam Bondi promised in February that client list would be made public
- Both reversed course last week on releasing documents
- Broken promises adding to supporters’ frustration
The Republican strategist’s concern
GOP operative warns about administration handling:
- “You can’t let Americans fill in the blanks, which is what Trump is doing”
- Photos of Trump and Epstein together compound perception problems
- Trump’s “over-the-top reaction at the White House” leads Americans to believe worst
- “Cover-up makes things look worse than it probably is”
Trump’s explosive reaction
President erupted at reporter asking about client list:
- “Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable”
- Called reporter’s question about Epstein “a desecration”
- Said asking about Epstein was “waste of time”
- Explosive reaction occurred earlier this month
The broader pattern of broken promises
Epstein files represent latest in series of fissures:
- Trump pledged to stop U.S. aid to Ukraine but announced Monday America will continue sending weapons
- Promised to keep America out of foreign conflicts but ordered airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities
- Flip-flopped on immigration crackdown scope by sparing farming and hospitality workers
- Supporters become uncomfortable over series of broken promises
The MAGA influencer backlash
Turning Point USA summit features criticism:
- MAGA influencers at Student Action Summit lashed out at administration
- Stephen K. Bannon told crowd “It’s deeper than Epstein”
- “For this to go away, you’re going to lose 10% of the MAGA movement”
- Bannon warned losing 10% would cost “40 seats in [2026]” and “the presidency”
The Democratic response
Opposition party fans flames in MAGA world:
- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned what administration is hiding
- “If you are not hiding anything, prove that to the American people”
- Democrats suggest Congress should work to uncover truth
- Opposition party capitalizing on division within Trump’s base
The White House defense
Spokesman Harrison Fields defends administration:
- “President Trump has assembled an incredible team of Law and Order patriots”
- Team committed to “making America safe again and restoring integrity”
- Praised Bondi, Patel, Bongino and other law enforcement officials
- Said work will continue “in lockstep with unprecedented success”
Trump’s social media response
President attempts to douse MAGA rebellion:
- Trump posted lengthy social media message Saturday evening
- Dismissed importance of getting to bottom of Epstein’s actions
- Told base not to “waste time and energy on Epstein”
- “For years, it’s Epstein over and over again”
The supporter pushback
MAGA base accuses Trump of pulling rug out:
- Supporters said president became out of touch with base
- “Now it’s our fault bc we want that promise fulfilled and call Pam out every time she lies?”
- “My wanting pedophiles to be punished for their crimes doesn’t make me less of a patriot”
- Supporters emphasized they “care about justice, whether you approve or not”
Bondi’s memo findings
Attorney General releases two-page review:
- Department’s review turned up no “client list” of powerful men
- No “credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals”
- Comments mark sharp departure from February when Bondi released some files
- Previously called February release “Phase 1” of document releases
The Bongino situation
Deputy FBI Director clashes with Bondi:
- Bongino spent years pushing Epstein conspiracy theories
- Clashed with Bondi over how files were handled
- Source says “He is miserable. He is alone. His staff is sabotaging him”
- Didn’t show up for work Friday and threatened to quit unless Bondi fired
Trump’s Bongino response
President addresses deputy director’s situation:
- Asked by reporters Sunday if Bongino would stay in position
- “I think so” according to Trump
- “I spoke to him today. Dan Bongino, very good guy”
- “He sounded terrific, actually” Trump said about conversation
Read more:
• MAGA fissure widens over Donald Trump’s refusal to release Epstein files
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
