U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed back against increasing criticism over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On Thursday (local time), Trump dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein-related files as a “scam” and accused Democrats of orchestrating the controversy for political gain.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America, results of which many are saying is the BEST six months in Presidential history. They have gone absolutely CRAZY, and are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax but, this time, under the guise of what we will call the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM.”
He went on to claim the scandal was yet another attempt to damage him politically. “As things are revealed and, I hope will take place quickly, you will see that it is yet another Democrat CON JOB. Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX. Everyone should see what is there, but people who are innocent should not be hurt. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Backlash from MAGA supporters
The scandal has become a serious political challenge for Trump, as his core MAGA supporters feel let down by how the White House has responded. Many in his base believe in conspiracy theories suggesting that elite figures were involved in a massive child sex trafficking network protected by the government. Trump had previously promised to make the Epstein files public, a pledge many of his supporters took seriously.
However, the Department of Justice and the FBI have said there’s no proof that Epstein had a hidden list of clients or used blackmail against powerful people. This statement has frustrated many in the MAGA camp, who see it as backtracking.
Trump was told his name appeared in the files
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump was personally informed that his name came up several times during the investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy reportedly shared this information with Trump in a White House meeting.
In response, a White House official told CNN, “The White House is not surprised by this. Trump’s name was present in the binders that Bondi produced and handed out.” The official also said that this was part of a routine Justice Department briefing.
The same report revealed that Justice Department leaders had no plans to release more documents from the Epstein case. Officials argued that the files contain sensitive material, including child pornography and private information about victims.
Trump and Epstein’s ties ended before 2006 indictment
Trump has previously stated that his relationship with Epstein ended long before the financier faced criminal charges. Epstein was indicted in 2006 for soliciting prostitution and later pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution. He served time in a Florida jail and was listed as a sex offender.
Both men had acknowledged they were once acquaintances, but later distanced themselves. Trump has repeatedly claimed he had no close connection with Epstein after their falling out.
