President Donald Trump has called on US Attorney General Pam Bondi to release "whatever she thinks is credible" regarding the records of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The statement comes as Trump finds himself at odds with segments of his own political base, who are demanding greater transparency in the high-profile case.
Bondi Criticized by Trump's Supporters
Pam Bondi, recently appointed as Attorney General, has faced criticism from MAGA supporters after declaring there was no evidence Epstein maintained a "client list" or engaged in blackmail of powerful individuals. Last week the Department of Justice (DOJ), working with the FBI, released a memo stating their review found no client list and confirming Epstein’s 2019 death as a suicide. Despite this, some in Trump’s political base remain unconvinced and continue to push for full disclosure of all case files.
Trump Attempts to Move On; Allies Demand More
Over the weekend, Trump urged supporters not to "waste time and energy" on the Epstein controversy, describing the case as "sordid but boring" and suggesting interest in it is driven by "fake news" and "really bad people". Nonetheless, several Republican allies have broken ranks and are insisting on greater action and accountability.
House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced the need for total transparency, stating: "We should put everything out there and let the people decide." Johnson explained that while he trusts Trump and his team, Bondi must clarify her position and address the contradictions in her earlier statements about reviewing Epstein materials.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, in a separate interview, also advocated for full transparency, commending Bondi's work but emphasizing that leaders must honor their commitments to voters.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert recommended the appointment of a special counsel if further Epstein files are not released.
Senator John Kennedy echoed public sentiment, saying, "I think it's perfectly understandable that the American people would like to know who he [Epstein] trafficked those women to and why they weren't prosecuted".
DOJ Memo and Barrage of Political Reactions
The DOJ and FBI’s joint memo indicated there were "no further criminal charges" forthcoming and confirmed Epstein’s death in a Manhattan jail as suicide. The review included over 300 gigabytes of data, with Bondi stating that the memo "speaks for itself" and declining to comment further. She previously told Fox News in February about a client list under review—clarified later as referencing case files more broadly.
At a recent press event, Bondi refused to address the matter, emphasizing, "Nothing about Epstein. I'm not going to talk about Epstein." Meanwhile, House Democrats tried and failed to push a vote that would have compelled the DOJ to release all Epstein-related records. Republicans countered by noting that the Biden administration also has access to the same files but has not released them.
Ongoing Demands for Answers
Divisions remain within the Republican Party as some defer to Trump’s judgment while others clamor for accountability and openness. Despite the official findings and efforts to close the chapter, many in the public and political sphere question whether all possible connections have been explored and whether justice has been fully served.
Background: Who Was Jeffrey Epstein?
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender, facing charges of trafficking underage girls at the time of his death. His connections to prominent global figures have fueled ongoing speculation and conspiracy theories, as many continue to seek transparency and answers regarding the extent of his crimes and associates.
Key Points:
- Trump urges AG Bondi to release "credible" Epstein information but downplays case interest.
- DOJ memo states no Epstein client list exists and confirms 2019 suicide death.
- Congressional Republicans are split; House Speaker Johnson and others demand full transparency.
- Attempts by Democrats to force file release have been blocked in Congress.
- Public distrust and debate over the true extent of Epstein’s connections continue.
