Trump Addresses MAGA Base on Epstein Files Controversy

President Donald Trump has called on his supporters to cease their focus on the “Epstein Files,” a topic that has captivated conspiracy theorists within his political base. During a statement on Saturday, Trump urged his followers to stop criticizing his administration over documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. This plea comes after the Department of Justice and FBI released a memo last week stating there is no evidence of Epstein maintaining a “client list” or blackmailing influential individuals. The memo also reaffirmed that Epstein’s death in a New York prison in 2019 was a suicide, dismissing murder claims.

Reactions from the Far-Right

The announcement was met with skepticism and criticism from some far-right supporters, many of whom have been loyal to Trump for years. Notable figures such as Alex Jones and Laura Loomer expressed their discontent, with Jones tweeting that the DOJ’s stance was “over the top sickening.” Loomer went as far as to demand the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, labeling her an “embarrassment.” Despite this backlash, Trump defended Bondi, asserting that she is doing a “fantastic job” and suggesting that the Epstein Files controversy is a Democratic Party hoax intended for political gain.

Trump’s Call for Unity and Focus

Trump emphasized unity within his “Make America Great Again” movement, urging his supporters to redirect their energy towards what he describes as “The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020,” rather than dwelling on Epstein-related conspiracy theories. He reiterated his belief in unfounded claims of election fraud and called for the FBI to prioritize investigating these allegations instead of focusing on Epstein. Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions within his base regarding how to address lingering conspiracy theories.

Internal Disagreements

Despite Trump’s efforts to quell the controversy, not all members of his administration appear aligned with his stance. Reports indicate that Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing podcast host and Trump’s appointee as FBI deputy director, has threatened resignation over the administration’s handling of the Epstein Files issue. This internal discord underscores the challenges Trump faces in maintaining cohesion among his supporters while addressing contentious topics.