Trump clashes with supporters over Epstein case as pressure mounts for transparency

A rare divide is emerging within the MAGA movement as President Trump faces growing frustration from some of his own supporters over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

(NBC)-A rare divide is emerging within the MAGA movement as President Trump faces growing frustration from some of his own supporters over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

In a fiery social media post, Trump disowned a faction of his base he labeled “weaklings” for buying into what he called “B.S.” conspiracy theories. “It’s all been a big hoax,” the president wrote, blaming Democrats and what he described as “stupid” and “foolish” Republicans for fueling the controversy.

While Trump points fingers at his political opponents, many of the loudest voices pushing Epstein-related conspiracy theories have come from right-wing influencers and members of Trump’s own political circle. They claim Epstein — who died by suicide in jail during Trump’s first term — didn’t act alone and left behind a secret “client list.”

FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking two years ago, said, “Put on your big boy pants and let us know who the pedophiles are,” adding to the calls for greater transparency.

Trump had previously promised on the campaign trail to release the Epstein files. But last week, both the Justice Department and FBI dismissed the conspiracy theories and confirmed they would not release further evidence.

That decision has fueled outrage from MAGA-aligned allies, including radio host Alex Jones, who said, “If you talk about this, I’m gonna excommunicate you. Well, you’re not the pope, bro.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi, a close Trump ally, is now facing heat from within the movement. Trump, however, is standing by her. “She says I gave you all the credible information,” he said, urging his supporters to move on. Despite Trump’s calls to look ahead, some Republican lawmakers are pushing for more disclosures.