Trump faces renewed Epstein scrutiny amid pressure from allies

July 25, 2025 – 9:20 AM

Despite his efforts to shift attention back to his political agenda, Donald Trump continues to face questions surrounding his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The controversy, once fueled by his own allies, has returned to the spotlight, creating internal friction and public distrust within his administration.

Trump aims to focus on achievements, but Epstein questions persist

On a recent trip to Scotland, former President Donald Trump appeared eager to tout what he called “the best six months ever” under his leadership. Speaking to reporters outside the White House before departing, Trump highlighted his administration’s economic wins and legislative progress. But the media’s focus quickly shifted to an issue he preferred to avoid: the Epstein scandal.

Reporters repeatedly asked whether Trump planned to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned associate of Epstein. Trump brushed off the questions, insisting that Americans should focus on the nation’s success. “People should really focus on how well the country is doing,” he said, later cutting off another reporter with, “I don’t want to talk about that.”

Yet avoiding the topic has proven difficult. The resurfacing of Epstein-related controversies, particularly those stirred by Trump’s own supporters, continues to pose a significant challenge during his second term.

Allies demand transparency, but strategy appears divided

Among Trump’s political base, there has been ongoing demand for the release of Epstein-related documents. Some believe that powerful individuals involved in Epstein’s network have not been held accountable. These theories, once promoted by Trump-aligned figures, are now colliding with official statements that suggest no further disclosures are forthcoming.

Trump has publicly distanced himself from Epstein, claiming that he ended their friendship long before Epstein’s criminal allegations became known. However, the pressure from within his party has not abated. Many of his supporters, and even some administration insiders, remain skeptical of the government’s claims that Epstein died by suicide and that no secret “client list” exists.

Landing in Scotland offered little relief. Trump again faced pointed questions from journalists. “You’re making a big thing over something that’s not a big thing,” he said. “I’m focused on making deals, not on conspiracy theories that you are.”

Former supporters turned officials stoked Epstein theories

The renewed controversy has been complicated by the fact that many of the most vocal conspiracy theorists about Epstein are now members of Trump’s own administration.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both former conservative media figures, promoted the idea in 2023 that the government was covering up high-profile involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Attorney General Pam Bondi also hinted at the existence of a “client list,” although she later clarified she was referring to public records.

These comments sparked outrage when the Justice Department recently issued a two-page statement denying the existence of any such list and reaffirming that Epstein had died by suicide. The memo also stated there would be no further public release of documents. This apparent reversal triggered backlash from Trump’s base and created rifts among his senior officials.

A heated White House meeting reportedly saw Bondi and Bongino clash over the administration’s messaging. Trump, trying to regain control, directed the Justice Department to seek the unsealing of grand jury materials — a legally uncertain move unlikely to yield new revelations.

Legal maneuvering and public frustration mount

In an unusual move, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell over two days at a courthouse in Florida. Maxwell’s legal team emphasized that she was cooperating and would “always testify truthfully.”

While the move is meant to demonstrate transparency, it has not eased public skepticism. The administration’s inconsistent responses — ranging from full disclosure to firm denials — have left many questioning the sincerity of its approach.

Behind the scenes, Trump is said to be wary of a slow-release scandal that could damage him politically, much like previous investigations into Russian election interference. A White House official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged Trump’s desire to get ahead of potential leaks while maintaining control of the narrative.

Resurrecting old controversies to shift the narrative

Faced with persistent criticism, Trump has turned to a familiar playbook: invoking the “witch hunts” of his first term. He drew parallels between the Epstein questions and the Russia investigation, calling the current scandal the “Jeffrey Epstein SCAM.”

Trump’s director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, recently helped declassify documents related to the 2016 election probe — a move seen as an attempt to reignite partisan anger and distract from the Epstein issue. The documents, dating back nearly a decade, offered little new information but gave Trump an opportunity to criticize former President Barack Obama and other Democratic figures.

“Whether it’s right or wrong,” Trump said, “it’s time to go after people.”

Political costs remain unclear as controversy lingers

Some Republican strategists acknowledge that the Epstein controversy is a distraction the administration has not been able to manage. Kevin Madden, a longtime GOP advisor, called the issue “a treadmill to nowhere,” adding, “I genuinely don’t know the answer to how you get off of it.”

With internal disagreements, rising pressure from the base, and ongoing public scrutiny, Trump’s efforts to shift focus to policy achievements may continue to be overshadowed. Despite his administration’s legislative victories and foreign policy maneuvers, the shadow of Epstein — and the role his allies played in keeping the issue alive — shows no signs of fading soon.

Source: AP News – In Epstein furor, Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked