A growing chorus of criticism from within the MAGA movement is targeting President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly Attorney General Pam Bondi, over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein case materials. The backlash stems from a recently released memo by the FBI and Justice Department, which concluded that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and found no evidence of a so-called “client list” often rumored to include prominent figures.
The findings have sparked outrage among Trump loyalists who had hoped for greater transparency and revelations from the Epstein investigation. Among the most vocal critics is conservative activist Laura Loomer, a staunch Trump supporter, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 8, criticizing Bondi and calling on Vice President JD Vance to push for her removal:
“Please encourage President Trump to fire Pam Blondi. She is a disgrace,” Loomer wrote, referring to Bondi dismissively as a “bimbo Barbie.”
Bondi had previously implied the existence of a client list in a February Fox News interview, saying, “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.” However, during a July 8 Cabinet meeting, she clarified that she was referring to the broader Epstein case file, not a specific list of clients.
Adding to the controversy, tech billionaire and former Trump advisor Elon Musk expressed frustration with the administration’s handling of the case.
“How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?” Musk posted on X. When asked whether releasing the files would be a priority for his newly formed America Party, Musk simply replied: “100.”
Musk had previously been a major supporter of Trump, contributing substantial funds to his 2024 campaign. However, their relationship has soured recently, particularly over Trump’s passage of a major spending bill that significantly increased the national debt.
While campaigning in 2024, Trump indicated a willingness to release more information about the Epstein investigation, stating that he had “no problem” with greater transparency. In February, Bondi echoed that message, stating that the DOJ would “lift the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators.”
Two senior Trump appointees, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, were once skeptical of the official account of Epstein’s death. However, they now support the conclusion that Epstein died by suicide and have publicly distanced themselves from conspiracy theories about foul play.
During the July 8 Cabinet meeting, Trump reacted angrily when a reporter asked about Epstein, calling the question a “desecration” amid the nation’s ongoing focus on the deadly floods in Texas.
“Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable,” Trump said.
Nonetheless, backlash within MAGA circles continues to mount. Influential right-wing commentator Alex Jones, who had previously voiced support for Trump, expressed disappointment with the administration’s stance.
“They’re doing so much good. And then for them to do something like this tears my guts out,” Jones said in a video on July 7.
The Epstein case remains a flashpoint in American political discourse, with conspiracy theories and demands for full disclosure continuing to test the credibility and unity of the Trump administration and its supporters.
