Former President Donald Trump has lashed out at segments of his own support base, accusing them of falling for what he described as “the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.” His remarks follow a controversial memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI that dismissed key conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s death and alleged blackmail network, deepening a rift within Trump’s MAGA movement.
In a fiery post on Truth Social this Wednesday, Trump wrote:
“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit’, hook, line, and sinker.”
He further criticized those fueling the controversy, blaming “the Lunatic Left” and the “Fake News” for manipulating the narrative, and defending his own record by claiming greater success than any past president.
DOJ Memo Refutes Epstein Theories
Trump’s comments came just days after the DOJ and FBI released a two-page memo concluding there was no credible evidence that Epstein operated a blackmail scheme involving high-profile individuals. The report also reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide while awaiting trial in 2019 — a conclusion many of Trump’s loyalist influencers have long disputed.
The memo directly contradicted months of speculation by conservative figures and MAGA-aligned influencers, including some who had once counted themselves among Trump’s most vocal defenders. The backlash intensified after Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously claimed she was reviewing an Epstein “client list,” suggesting potential explosive disclosures ahead.
Internal GOP Tensions
Trump defended Bondi during remarks this week, saying she had provided “all the credible information” she had access to, and dismissed the need for further debate on the issue. “We do have bigger problems,” he said.
However, tensions continue to simmer within the Republican Party. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, called for full transparency, telling MAGA podcast host Benny Johnson, “We need to put it out there… [Bondi] needs to come forward and explain it to everybody.”
Reports have also highlighted a growing rift between Bondi and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, a prominent conservative commentator who has repeatedly floated conspiracy theories regarding Epstein’s death.
Despite the growing internal discord, Trump insisted he retains “full confidence” in both Bondi and Bongino, urging unity as he focuses on broader political and economic goals.
Public Distrust Remains High
The Epstein controversy remains a hot-button issue for many Americans. A mid-July Economist/YouGov poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the U.S. government is covering up evidence related to Epstein. Meanwhile, a CNN poll released this week reported that 50% of Americans are dissatisfied with the amount of information the government has disclosed about the case.
When asked at an event in Pennsylvania — where he announced new investments for the state — why some of his own supporters remain fixated on Epstein, Trump responded dismissively:
“I don’t understand why they would be so interested. He’s dead for a long time.”
Political Implications
Trump’s strong stance against the conspiracy theories threatens to alienate parts of his populist base but may help position him as a leader focused on economic progress and mainstream governance as the 2024 election approaches. However, the backlash from within MAGA circles underscores the enduring potency of the Epstein case as a symbol of mistrust in U.S. institutions — even among those aligned with Trump.
As the debate continues to unfold, the former president’s challenge lies in balancing loyalty, transparency, and political messaging in an election cycle shaped as much by culture wars as by policy.
