President Donald Trump has sharply criticized segments of his conservative base for questioning his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, dismissing their concerns as misguided and labeling them “weaklings” who have been “duped.”
In a fiery social media post on July 16 and subsequent comments during an Oval Office appearance, Trump lashed out at supporters who have demanded greater transparency over documents related to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Trump condemned the ongoing focus on the case, which he described as a “hoax” and “boring.” Addressing his critics directly, he wrote: “And my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bulls***,’ hook, line, and sinker. They haven’t learned their lesson, and probably never will. I don’t want their support anymore!”
The remarks were a surprising rebuke to parts of Trump’s MAGA base, including influential conservatives who have been pressing his administration for answers about Epstein’s connections and potential high-profile clients. Trump insisted that continuing to focus on the Epstein case distracts from his administration’s accomplishments, such as tax reforms and immigration policy.
Push for Transparency Within Trump’s Own Party
The backlash stems from a July 7 memo released by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Justice Department, which stated that a “systematic review” of government-held Epstein documents uncovered “no incriminating ‘client list’” and “no evidence” that Epstein was murdered. The memo concluded that no further disclosures were appropriate or warranted.
The memo frustrated many Trump supporters and lawmakers who had expected bombshell revelations. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a prominent Trump ally, responded defiantly, writing on X, “No one believes there is not a client list.”
Other key conservatives have also voiced dissatisfaction. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told The Benny Johnson Show that while the issue is delicate, “we should put everything out there and let the people decide.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” on July 15, aiming to compel the full release of all Epstein-related government documents. Greene announced on July 16 that she is co-sponsoring the bill, declaring, “I will never protect pedophiles or the elites and their circles.”
Trump Attempts to Shift Focus
During his Oval Office remarks, Trump reiterated his support for Attorney General Bondi, calling her handling of the case “excellent” and criticizing those on the right who are continuing to press for more disclosures.
“I’ve lost a lot of faith in certain people because they got duped,” Trump said. He suggested that continuing to talk about Epstein is playing into the hands of the media and political opponents: “It’s sordid, but it’s boring. And I don’t understand why it keeps going. Really only bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.”
Political Implications
Trump’s blunt dismissal of his critics over the Epstein issue highlights growing tensions within his support base. While he has historically benefited from loyal grassroots backing, his handling of high-profile and sensitive issues like Epstein’s case is drawing criticism from even his closest allies.
The divide underscores a broader challenge for Trump as he seeks to maintain unity within the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 election cycle — while also fending off pressure from within his own ranks to address calls for transparency in cases that continue to grip public attention.
