Trump urges release of 'credible' Epstein info amid furor
July 16, 2025
US President Donald Trump urged the Justice Department on Tuesday to release all "credible" information related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
What did Trump say about Epstein-related documents?
Trump called the Epstein case "pretty boring" on Tuesday and said he couldn't understand why it "would be of interest to anybody."
The Republican president is walking a tightrope as his base is clamoring for the release of an alleged client list of elites who participated in the wealthy New York financier's trafficking of underage girls.
Trump repeated his claim that the Epstein files were fabricated by the Democratic presidents before him, despite having previously said during his 2024 election campaign that he would "probably" release them.
The US president passed the baton to Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had said in February that a list of Epstein clients was on her desk for review.
"She's handled it very well, and it's going to be up to her," Trump said of Bondi. "Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release."
Is MAGA turning on Trump over the alleged 'Epstein list'?
Many of Trump's supporters, notably those in the core Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, are accusing the administration of shielding powerful figures allegedly tied to case.
A recent Justice Department memo stated there is no Epstein client list, no evidence of blackmail, and confirmed Epstein died by suicide.
The memo also said no further information would be released.
The latest stance has reignited conspiracy theories and infighting within the administration. Bondi reportedly clashed with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino over the controversy, and far-right figures like Laura Loomer — and even his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump — have demanded more transparency.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also broke with Trump, calling for full disclosure of any Epstein-related files, saying, "We should put everything out there and let the people decide."
Several other Republicans have echoed the same view.
In June, former Trump advisor Elon Musk claimed that Trump was "in the Epstein files" amid a spat between the two former allies over a major spending bill. The post has since been deleted on X.
Who was Jeffrey Epstein?
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, was first accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl in 2006 but avoided serious charges through a plea deal and served less than 13 months in jail.
He was arrested again in 2019 for trafficking dozens of teenage girls and engaging in sex acts with them in exchange for money.
Prosecutors said Epstein, who pled not guilty, ensured a "steady supply of minor victims to abuse."
Epstein died by suicide in jail August 2019 while awaiting trial.
His longtime associate and girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted in 2022 for aiding his crimes.
The case spotlighted Epstein's ties to powerful figures, including Britain's Prince Andrew and former US President Bill Clinton, both of whom deny wrongdoing.
How might Epstein fallout affect Trump's base?
Conservative influencers warned the dispute could fracture Trump's base ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.
"For this to go away, you're going to lose 10% of the MAGA movement," said Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, amid the growing political fallout.
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats accused the Trump administration of a cover-up and demanding the full release of all records.
Experts warn that the conspiracy-fueled movement Trump once empowered may now be turning against him.
If he doesn't provide answers, said political scientist Russell Muirhead, "large segments of his most enthusiastic and devoted supporters are going to lose faith in him."
Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah