President Donald Trump lashed out at a reporter during a Cabinet meeting on Monday for raising questions about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing the topic as a distraction while the nation mourns the recent Texas flooding disaster that has killed over 100 people.
The exchange occurred during a July 8 meeting at the White House, following the release of a new memo from the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) that reaffirmed Epstein’s death in 2019 was a suicide and that no “client list” had been discovered in connection with his crimes.
Tense Exchange During Cabinet Meeting
New York Post reporter Steve Nelson directed his questions to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking for clarification on a missing minute in newly released surveillance footage from the night of Epstein’s death, as well as speculation about Epstein’s alleged ties to intelligence agencies.
Before Bondi could respond, Trump interjected.
“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years,” the president said sharply. “Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable. Do you want to waste the time?”
Trump called the line of questioning a “desecration,” criticizing its timing in the midst of an ongoing national tragedy. “We’re dealing with real loss in Texas, and this is what you bring up?” he added.
DOJ Memo: No Evidence of Foul Play or Client List
The exchange followed the DOJ and FBI’s joint release of an internal memo on July 7 that concluded Epstein died by suicide in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019. The agencies also provided footage from the common area of the Special Housing Unit (SHU), showing no unauthorized entry into the tier housing Epstein.
As for the missing minute in the video footage, Bondi explained that the Bureau of Prisons’ outdated surveillance system — based on 1990s technology — resets each night, resulting in a repeated, automatic one-minute data loss.
“Every night should have the same minute missing,” Bondi said, adding that the administration is working to release additional footage to demonstrate the pattern.
When asked about Epstein’s potential ties to American or foreign intelligence, Bondi responded, “I have no knowledge about that.”
Musk Renews Allegations Linking Trump to Epstein
The topic of Epstein remains a politically sensitive one for Trump, who previously acknowledged knowing Epstein socially before a “falling out” in the mid-2000s. Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from the disgraced financier.
Tensions surrounding the issue resurfaced after Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly linked Trump to Epstein in a now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) post, suggesting the president was named in sealed court documents. “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files,” Musk wrote. “That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!”
Musk, who previously served as Trump’s Director of Government Efficiency, further implied that efforts were being made to suppress the truth, writing, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.”
Clarifying the “Client List” Controversy
Bondi’s previous statements regarding a “client list” had sparked debate among pro-Trump influencers and conservative media figures. On July 8, she sought to clarify what she had meant, stating her earlier remarks were taken out of context.
“I was asked a question about the client list, and my response was, ‘It’s sitting on my desk to be reviewed,’ meaning the file,” Bondi explained.
Despite continued conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death and the extent of his network, federal investigators have reiterated there is no verified list of clients, and no credible evidence linking his death to foul play.
Political Fallout and Public Focus
As the White House faces scrutiny on multiple fronts — including recovery efforts from the Texas floods and recent criticism over federal agency funding — Trump’s public dismissal of the Epstein line of questioning appears to be an effort to reframe the administration’s focus.
“Let’s focus on the lives that were lost in Texas. That’s what matters,” Trump said, ending the exchange.
The president is scheduled to visit Texas on Friday to survey flood damage and meet with local officials.
