Former President Donald Trump has found himself amid a rare uproar from his right-wing allies over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein‘s death and the surrounding conspiracy theories. Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker, died by suicide while in federal custody in August of 2019. Ever since, different groups have peddled conspiracy theories about how he died. The mercenaries argue that perhaps he was murdered to prevent him from naming names of dangerous powerful partners.
Epstein’s death quickly became the rocket fuel for a whole new genre of conspiracy theory. Conservative media figures insist he was keeping a “client list” of Johns who did illegal things. This conspiracy theory, which went viral on social media, alleges that the list features high profile left-wing politicians and celebrities. A lot of influential right-wing thinkers have rallied around this narrative. They want to find out what they think are the true truths that are being hidden.
In February, Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General and a leading member of the Justice Department’s anti-trust division, appeared on Fox News. Throughout the interview, she appeared to validate that such a client list does indeed exist. The Justice Department announced nine days later that—contrary to the implication of his arrest—Epstein never maintained a client list. They announced that no additional files on his sex-trafficking probe would be released to the public.
Though that assurance is the declared official policy of the Justice Department, the skepticism has continued to flow from right-wing influencers. As former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino recently expressed, more than a little angry that they were handling the Epstein files. He’s especially made a name for himself spreading conspiracy theories about Epstein. His unhappiness reflects a broader frustration among conservative policymakers. They are rightfully angry that they were misled or left feeling uninformed about Epstein’s illicit activities and high profile connections.
Former President Donald Trump has commented on their former friendship with Epstein in the past. In the lead-up to last year’s election, he stated that he would declassify files related to Epstein’s case, further fueling speculation about the contents of those potential revelations. Trump’s shocking statements are now drawing his supporters to speak out against him for failing to be transparent.
During a recent address, Trump supported Bondi’s efforts while voicing concern about the criticisms aimed at her within their party. He stated,
“What’s going on with my ‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” – Donald Trump
That video footage from Epstein’s cell was the source of much ado. Bondi’s Justice Department used this footage as proof that no misconduct led to his death. As the details have unfolded, a number of skeptics have questioned its legitimacy. One crucial minute is entirely unaccounted for in the video surveillance footage. It isn’t consistent with the photos released earlier of Epstein’s cell. Robby Starbuck, a conservative commentator, remarked on these discrepancies:
“There are some extremely bizarre things about the video of Epstein’s cell that Pam Bondi’s DOJ released as proof no one killed him. First, a full minute appears to be missing from the video and secondly, it does NOT appear to be the same cell as the photo released on Jan 5, 2020.” – Robby Starbuck
This skepticism has been echoed by other right-wing figures such as Jack Posobiec, who commented on the handling of the Epstein case:
“We were all told more was coming. That answers were out there and would be provided. Incredible how utterly mismanaged this Epstein mess has been. And it didn’t have to be.” – Jack Posobiec
The ramifications of Epstein’s case are still being felt across conservative organizations and ideologues. Influencers including Jack Posobiec received binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” during a visit to the White House in February. Those binders allegedly didn’t include much in the way of new information about Epstein’s operations or order of business.
As usual, right-wing donors and supporters continue to propagate these conspiracy theories. Many of our members are both angered and insulted by the opaque information shared thus far regarding Epstein’s ties and operations. Jesse Watters, another prominent conservative commentator, articulated this frustration by stating:
“The feds spent decades investigating Epstein and have had total access to his property for years; they still cannot give us a straight answer? This is not anything new; the government has been keeping us in the dark for generations.” – Jesse Watters
Most strikingly, some have even taken this to the level of denying official narratives outright. Alex Jones, a well-known conspiracy theorist, stated:
“NO ONE IS BUYING THIS!! Next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed.’ This is over the top sickening.” – Alex Jones
Even Trump himself has tried to bury the Epstein talk. He emphasized his administration’s accomplishments while urging supporters not to dwell on Epstein’s story. He asserted,
“One year ago our Country was DEAD, now it’s the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World. Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.” – Donald Trump
Despite Trump’s attempts to redirect focus away from Epstein, many within his base remain fixated on uncovering what they perceive as hidden truths about the late financier and alleged sex trafficker. As these debates continue to unfold within right-wing media circles, they underscore a profound distrust in government narratives and an ongoing quest for transparency regarding figures entwined in scandal.