On Friday, President Donald Trump suggested that there is no smoking gun in the files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move aimed at downplaying a case that has captivated his MAGA supporters for years. In a post on his conservative social media platform, Trump questioned why, if there were any incriminating evidence against Epstein, the Democrats—who controlled the files for four years—did not act on it. "If there was a 'smoking gun' on Epstein, why didn't the Dems, who controlled the 'files' for four years, and had Garland and Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!" Trump stated.
This statement comes on the heels of Trump's announcement on Thursday night, where he ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of additional Epstein materials. Trump specifically requested Bondi to produce any and all relevant Grand Jury testimony, pending court approval. In response, Bondi indicated that legal action could be initiated as soon as Friday. However, the process of releasing any grand jury materials may be protracted, as it will involve a legal review to consider the impact on victims and the eventual approval of a federal judge.
Adding to the controversy, a report from the Wall Street Journal suggested that Trump sent Epstein a letter in 2003 for his 50th birthday. In light of this allegation, Trump has threatened to sue the publication, denying the existence of the letter in an interview. "I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his 'pile of garbage' newspaper, the WSJ. That will be an interesting experience!!!" Trump declared on his social media platform.
Trump's decision to push for the release of additional grand jury materials follows a week of escalating pressure from his MAGA supporters, who have called for more decisive action regarding Epstein. This comes after a brief memo from the Justice Department and FBI indicated that no further disclosures would be appropriate or warranted. The memo concluded that there was no evidence suggesting Epstein maintained a list of prominent associates or engaged in blackmail, and it reaffirmed that the disgraced financier died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
In the midst of these developments, Trump has attempted to quell the intrigue surrounding Epstein, which has been fueled by various right-wing figures over the years. These figures have propagated conspiracy theories suggesting a deep state is protecting elite individuals. Trump has characterized the Epstein files as a Democratic hoax against him, dismissing Republican supporters who question his administration's handling of the case as "stupid and foolish." Notably, his administration has firmly rejected the notion of appointing a special prosecutor in the Epstein case, which was suggested by some media outlets. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed, "The president would not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case. That's how he feels."