Trump marks six months amid Epstein backlash

President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins.

(NBC) – President Donald Trump is marking six months into his second term by spotlighting what he calls key wins—while facing lingering controversy over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

“We hit a lot of home runs, and we’re going to keep hitting them,” Trump said, pointing to recent legislative victories, including the passage of a massive tax and spending bill. His administration is also pressing ahead with strict migrant deportation policies and a new wave of tariffs targeting foreign trade partners.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the administration’s tariff strategy, warning trading partners that, “Nothing stops countries from talking to us after August 1, but they’re going to start paying the tariffs on August 1.” Many U.S. businesses, however, are already feeling the strain—and bracing for potential retaliation when reciprocal tariffs take effect at the end of the month.

But while President Trump touts economic progress, internal divisions within the Republican Party continue to grow—particularly over the Epstein investigation.

“I’m ticked off at everybody. Look, this thing should have been handled,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), reflecting frustration among some conservatives.

President Trump has dismissed the renewed scrutiny as a “hoax,” and claims his approval rating among Republicans has risen. Yet, a new CBS News poll suggests otherwise: his overall approval has declined since February, and Republicans remain split on how the Epstein case has been handled. Notably, 89 percent of respondents say the Department of Justice should release all related Epstein documents.

Following the President’s request, the DOJ has formally asked for grand jury transcripts to be unsealed. Meanwhile, calls are intensifying for Ghislaine Maxwell—Epstein’s longtime associate and now convicted sex offender—to testify before Congress.

“She is the Rosetta Stone. She knows everything. She arranged every single trip with everybody,” said Alan Dershowitz, who once represented Epstein.