In the wake of growing uproar among his MAGA base regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files, former President Donald Trump is attempting to deflect blame onto others. During a recent phone interview on Just the News, broadcast on Real America's Voice, Trump characterized the situation as a 'hoax' orchestrated by Biden administration officials. His claims were made without presenting any substantial evidence, indicating a strategy to shift responsibility for the controversy.
Trump alleged that Democrats and former officials had manipulated files related to Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. When asked about the possibility of one prosecutor investigating political prosecutions, Trump responded, "Well, I think it's in the case of Epstein, they've already looked at it, and they are looking at it." He expressed skepticism about the integrity of the files, suggesting, "I can imagine what they put into files, just like they did with the others." This statement reflects Trump's ongoing narrative that the Biden administration has been involved in a systematic cover-up.
During the interview, Trump continued to assert that the files were compromised, connecting the situation to other controversies, such as the Steele dossier—which he characterized as a "total fake." He stated, "It took two years to figure that out for the people," implying that similar deception could be at play regarding the Epstein files. Trump mentioned FBI officials like Chris Wray and James Comey, suggesting that the manipulation of information began even before the Biden administration took office.
Despite Trump's allegations, many documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, including those that reference Trump and several prominent Democrats, have been publicly accessible for several years. Epstein was arrested in 2019 and tragically died in prison while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. A comprehensive review conducted by the Justice Department and FBI found no evidence of a so-called client list related to Epstein, confirming his death was a suicide.
The recent memo released by the DOJ and FBI has intensified the controversy, particularly among Trump's ardent supporters, who have long promoted theories surrounding Epstein and accusations of a deep state protecting elite figures. In an effort to quell the political turmoil, Trump has defended his legal representative Pam Bondi, suggesting she should release any credible information related to the case. He has also labeled those within the Republican Party questioning his handling of the Epstein situation as "stupid and foolish."
Calls for transparency regarding the Epstein files have resonated among several Republicans on Capitol Hill. Notably, Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, has urged the administration to release all documents related to the Epstein investigation. This growing demand for clarity highlights the ongoing tension within the party as it grapples with the implications of the Epstein case and Trump's responses to it.
