President Trump has unleashed an unusually sharp rebuke against segments of his MAGA base still demanding full disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein–related files. In a fiery Truth Social post on Wednesday, he labeled the controversy “the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax,” deriding former allies as “weaklings” who swallowed “bull‑‑‑‑” pushed by Democratic foes and the “Fake News.” He even disavowed their backing, declaring, “I don’t want their support anymore!”
For years, a faction of Trump loyalists has claimed Epstein maintained a secret “client list” of powerful figures and was murdered to keep those names hidden. High‑profile boosters—now including FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino—helped amplify the theory through social media and conservative outlets.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to review Epstein evidence in full. Once in office, he ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee an exhaustive probe. Bondi even told Fox News in February that a supposed client list was “sitting on my desk.”
That build‑up ended abruptly last week: a two‑page joint memo from the DOJ and FBI concluded Epstein left no client ledger and died by suicide. Officials warned that fueling baseless theories undermines child‑exploitation investigations.
The memo landed poorly at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit in Tampa. When Fox host Laura Ingraham asked if attendees were satisfied with the findings, boos rained down. Steve Bannon blasted the decision as symptomatic of deeper government rot, while Tucker Carlson decried being told to “shut up” about legitimate questions.
CNN soon reported a heated clash within the FBI: Bongino allegedly threatened resignation over Bondi’s handling of the case. Far‑right activist Laura Loomer claimed both Bongino and Patel were “LIVID.” Patel later downplayed the drama on X, insisting conspiracy claims “just aren’t true” and pledging loyalty to Trump.
Posting Saturday, Trump scolded critics for attacking Bondi, praising her work and insisting the administration is “PERFECT.” He lamented that “selfish people” fixate on “a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein,” arguing “nobody cares” and urging focus on his record. Speaking to reporters en route to Pittsburgh, he said Bondi “handled it very well” and should release whatever she deems credible.
At a DEA event Tuesday, Bondi sidestepped Epstein questions. House Speaker Mike Johnson later encouraged her to clarify mixed messages, calling the issue a distraction. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed calls for more documents. Returning from Pittsburgh, an exasperated Trump told journalists he cannot fathom the fascination: “It’s sordid, but it’s boring.”
Whether the president’s public scolding quells the uproar—or further alienates a vocal slice of his base—remains to be seen.
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