NEW YORK (AP) – President Donald Trump has recently intensified his criticism of his former supporters, blaming them for being misled by Democrats regarding the handling of records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which he now dismisses as a "Hoax." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused past supporters of being gullible and not learning from their mistakes, referring to their belief in what he calls "bull—" as a result of being deceived by the "Lunatic Left" for eight years.
Trump's rhetoric reflects a significant shift in his approach, breaking dramatically from some of his most devoted followers. Although he cannot legally run for another term at this moment, gaining support from a united Republican party is vital for him to advance his legislative agenda in a closely divided Congress and mobilize his base for the upcoming midterm elections.
The controversy surrounds the Trump administration's management of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 following his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Recently, the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo stating that Epstein did not maintain a "client list" of underage girls who were trafficked. The agencies also announced that no further files would be made available to the public, contrary to previous commitments made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, which had raised expectations among conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.
The sudden shift in the administration's position has sparked outrage among Trump’s staunch supporters, particularly directed at Bondi. In response, Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence in his attorney general while openly criticizing those who continue to push for clarification on the Epstein issue. He expressed confusion about the continued interest in Epstein, suggesting it detracts from his accomplishments as a president.
In comments made after his Truth post, Trump mentioned that he has "lost a lot of faith in certain people" and reiterated that the Epstein matter is nothing more than a hoax perpetuated by Democrats and "stupid Republicans." He defended Bondi, stating that she has already provided all "credible information" available about Epstein and questioned what more could be expected from her.
Despite Trump's attempts to dismiss and downplay the significance of the Epstein files, there is a notable level of dissatisfaction among his loyal supporters. Prominent figures like far-right podcaster Alex Jones have expressed their discontent, calling Trump's handling of the situation a "train wreck," and some pro-Trump influencers are voicing their frustrations openly. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also publicly advocated for more transparency regarding the Justice Department's investigations.
Meanwhile, a CNN/SSRS poll indicates that about half of U.S. adults are dissatisfied with the information released by the federal government concerning the Epstein case. This widespread dissatisfaction could reflect a broader concern regarding trust in government institutions and a disconnect between the Republican Party and its constituents.
While it remains uncertain how this internal conflict will influence Trump’s standing within the party, the Epstein case could serve as a focal point that highlights tensions between Trump's administration and the base that supported him. As the midterm elections approach, it is essential for the Republican Party to address these issues to maintain support among voters who prioritize accountability and transparency in governance.
