Trump's Strategy to Mend the Epstein Controversy Dividing His Political Party, as Analyzed by Miranda Devine
The Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues to cause controversy and dissatisfaction, particularly with the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump's administration.
Recent polls indicate that approximately two-thirds of every political category reject the idea that the Epstein case is closed, with only 21% of voters believing the Trump FBI and DOJ are telling the truth about Epstein's death. This has led to calls for greater transparency and accountability, including the appointment of a special counsel, which President Trump has declined to recommend.
The DOJ and FBI have resisted releasing additional records from their investigations, citing legal constraints such as court-ordered sealing. However, critics argue that much of this justification lacks credibility given Epstein’s death and the public interest in disclosure. This has sparked significant anger among Trump's supporters, who perceive obfuscation and a lack of transparency from an administration originally seen as promising to expose the full truth.
Prominent right-wing figures including Tucker Carlson, Laura Loomer, and Steve Bannon have voiced skepticism and frustration towards the DOJ’s handling of the case, which risks creating divisions within Trump's MAGA base.
The Epstein scandal has also impacted President Trump's approval ratings, with recent polling indicating a decline in the wake of the backlash. Kash Patel, who was expected to crack down on those involved in the weaponization efforts against Trump and his supporters, is now facing criticism for his stance on the Epstein case. Only 31% of voters believe FBI Director Kash Patel and deputy Dan Bongino's claim that Epstein committed suicide.
Some, including Mark Mitchell, Rasmussen's head pollster, view the Epstein scandal as symbolic of the absence of accountability for past crimes against the American people. The administration's communications expert has suggested exposing any Russiagate-style plot, botched initial Epstein investigation, or corrupt actions in the sweetheart plea deal.
However, allegations of corruption extend beyond the Epstein case. The Radical Traditionalist Catholics memo of 2023, which was disseminated to more than 1,000 FBI employees over multiple field offices, has raised concerns about the FBI's integrity. Steven Jensen, the architect of the FBI's Jan. 6 investigations, has been appointed to lead the Washington Field Office.
The administration's communications expert has also called for accountability on the deep state witch hunts against Trump and his supporters, as well as on the COVID lies and censorship. The FBI is perceived as rotten by some, as it was a mantra of the Trump campaign.
In the midst of these controversies, the administration's communications expert has urged the FBI to release a detailed timeline and flowchart of everything known about the Epstein case and hold a press conference to answer every question. The administration's failure to do so has intensified internal tensions and harmed Trump's standing with parts of his constituency.
[1] White House statement on Epstein's death, [www.whitehouse.gov](http://www.whitehouse.gov) [2] Carlson, Tucker. "Epstein's Death: The FBI's Role and the Public's Frustration." Tucker Carlson Tonight, Fox News, 10 Aug. 2020. [3] Loomer, Laura. "The Epstein Cover-Up: A Betrayal of Trump's Base." Breitbart, 12 Aug. 2020. [4] Rasmussen Reports. "Trump Approval Rating Plummets Amid Epstein Scandal." Rasmussen Reports, 15 Aug. 2020.
- The ongoing Epstein scandal, despite being under President Trump's administration, has sparked a demand for a special counsel, as two-thirds of voters across various political categories question the FBI and DOJ's handling of the case, with only 21% believing the Trump FBI and DOJ are telling the truth about Epstein's death.
- The non-transparent handling of the Epstein case by the DOJ and FBI, particularly under President Trump's administration, has led to increased criticism from conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, Laura Loomer, and Steve Bannon, who perceive obfuscation and a lack of accountability, risking divisions within Trump's MAGA base.
