President Trump’s recent claim that the Jeffrey Epstein case is a “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats has created intense controversy. During Thursday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt elaborated on Trump’s statement, asserting that he was criticizing Democrats for what he views as a sudden, opportunistic focus on a case they previously overlooked.
Clarifying the President’s Stance
On Wednesday, Trump targeted some of his “past supporters,” accusing them of falling for a Democratic-driven “hoax” by emphasizing the Epstein case. When Fox News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich sought clarification on the “hoax” label, Leavitt responded:
“The president is referring to the fact that Democrats have now seized on this as if they ever wanted transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein, which is an asinine suggestion for any Democrat to make.” She stressed that Democrats, during their four-year control of the White House, did little to pursue transparency regarding Epstein’s “heinous crimes.”
Trump’s Push for Accountability
Leavitt defended Trump’s proactive measures, highlighting his directive to the Department of Justice and Attorney General to thoroughly review all Epstein-related files. She praised the effort, led by “great patriots” like Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, whom she described as trusted figures in the Republican movement.
The DOJ’s investigation, concluded last week, found no evidence of a client list and confirmed Epstein’s 2019 death as a su*cide. “They spent many months going through all of the files related to Jeffrey Epstein, and they concluded what they found in that memo, which they drafted and they released,” Leavitt stated while emphasizing Trump’s commitment to openness.
Democrats’ Strategic Counter
Democrats have capitalized on the Epstein issue to challenge Trump, participating in a House vote to release the Epstein files—a move Republicans labeled a political ploy.
Leavitt clarified that Trump “would not recommend a special prosecutor” for the case, noting that the suggestion originated in the media. However, she added that Trump remains open to revisiting the issue if new evidence surfaces from the DOJ or FBI.
Tensions Over Bondi’s Role
The controversy grew this week when Trump called those fixated on the Epstein case “pretty bad people” while defending Bondi’s handling of the investigation. Bondi drew criticism from conservatives after stating in February that she had Epstein’s client list on her desk, only to later clarify she meant the Epstein files under review.
Public Distrust Runs Deep
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals widespread skepticism about the handling of the Epstein case. Only 17% of Americans approve of Trump’s approach, with 35% of Republicans approving and 30% disapproving. A striking 69% of respondents believe the federal government is hiding details about Epstein’s alleged client list, feeding public distrust.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on any news regarding the Epstein case.
