In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to release “whatever she thinks is credible” regarding the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein case, following a wave of controversy among his supporters. The call comes as the president faces increasing pressure, particularly from his political base, who demand transparency over the convicted sex offender’s connections and the details surrounding his 2019 death.
Trump’s comments follow an intense backlash after Bondi, last week, dismissed the existence of a “client list” linked to Epstein, further asserting that there was no evidence Epstein had been blackmailing powerful figures. In response, Trump had urged his supporters to “move on” from the case, describing it as “sordid but boring.”
However, the controversy refuses to subside. Despite the president’s attempt to close the chapter, members of his own party, including House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, are now calling for full transparency. “We should put everything out there and let the people decide,” Johnson stated in a Tuesday interview, asserting that all files related to Epstein should be made public.
The death of Epstein, ruled a suicide in a federal prison while awaiting trial, has continued to fuel conspiracy theories, particularly among Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Many believe that vital information about Epstein’s connections has been suppressed to protect influential figures or intelligence agencies.
Trump Defends Bondi’s Handling of Epstein Case
On Tuesday, President Trump praised Bondi for her handling of the Epstein matter, asserting, “She’s handled it very well, and it’s going to be up to her. Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.” However, when questioned about his name appearing in any of the Epstein records, Trump denied any involvement, stating, “No, no.”
Trump’s remarks come after a Department of Justice memo, jointly released with the FBI, found no “client list” and confirmed Epstein’s suicide. Bondi, while defending the findings, dismissed further inquiries, saying, “Nothing about Epstein,” at a press conference on unrelated matters. She further emphasized that the memo “speaks for itself.”
Republicans Split on Transparency
Not all Republicans, however, agree with Trump’s stance. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and conservative commentator Lauren Boebert have both advocated for the full release of Epstein’s files. Boebert even called for the appointment of a special counsel if the files were not made public, stating that the lack of transparency only fueled speculation.
Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana echoed concerns about the need for accountability, 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.”
Others, including Senators John Thune and Jim Jordan, have deferred to Trump’s approach, aligning with his view that the matter should be put to rest.
Political Divide Over Epstein Transparency
Despite the Republican push for more information, the Democratic response has been notably subdued. House Democratic lawmakers attempted but failed to force a vote on releasing Epstein files. While some Democrats point out that the Biden administration also has access to the files, there has been little movement on releasing additional details.
A Continuing Mystery
As the Epstein case remains a point of contention, Trump’s calls for “credible” information continue to divide his party. While his defenders insist on transparency, the lack of definitive action raises more questions than answers. With both sides of the political spectrum pushing for clarity, the story surrounding Epstein’s connections and his untimely death is far from over.
