Trump Urges MAGA Base to Back Off Over Epstein Files, Defends Officials Amid Far-Right Backlash

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday publicly urged his supporters to stop criticizing his administration over newly released findings in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which conspiracy theorists on the far-right have long fixated on.

The Department of Justice and FBI last week released a memo stating there was no evidence that Epstein kept a secret “client list” or was blackmailing powerful individuals. They also reaffirmed that Epstein died by suicide in 2019, and announced no further disclosures would be made. The announcement triggered an outcry among Trump loyalists, with criticism aimed particularly at Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.

“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’” Trump posted on Truth Social. “They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening.”

Calling his administration “THE TALK OF THE WORLD,” Trump appeared frustrated that his base was turning on key allies over what he described as distractions. “Selfish people are trying to hurt [the administration], all over a guy who never dies — Jeffrey Epstein,” he said, dismissing the continued obsession with the disgraced financier.

The far-right has long alleged that “Deep State” actors were covering up Epstein’s ties to elites. Following the DOJ’s decision, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones tweeted, “Next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed.’ This is over the top sickening.” Influencer Laura Loomer called for Bondi’s dismissal, calling her “an embarrassment.”

Trump, however, stood firmly by Bondi and Patel. He claimed the so-called “Epstein Files” were Democratic fabrications aimed at undermining his administration. “Why are we giving publicity to files written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden Administration?” he said.

Seeming exasperated, Trump added: “For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again. Let’s… not waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”

Instead, Trump urged Bondi and Patel to refocus on what he continues to call “The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020,” despite a lack of evidence for those claims. “LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT!” he wrote.

Trump, who was seen in past footage socializing with Epstein, has denied any involvement or mention in the investigation files.

FBI Director Patel reiterated on Saturday that the conspiracy theories are “not true, never have been.” But not all within Trump’s circle appear aligned. U.S. media reported that Dan Bongino — a prominent right-wing commentator and former Secret Service agent appointed by Trump as FBI deputy director — had threatened to resign over the matter.

The episode underscores growing fractures within Trump’s MAGA base, as disillusionment over Epstein theories collides with loyalty to the former president’s team.