A growing rift has emerged within Donald Trump’s MAGA base after the Justice Department confirmed there is no “client list” tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case — a claim previously stoked by the Trump administration. Attorney General Pam Bondi, once seen as a champion of transparency in the matter, is now facing backlash from right-wing influencers and even calls for her resignation.
Trump, in a Cabinet meeting on July 8, dismissed continued discussion of Epstein as “unbelievable” and a “desecration,” citing more pressing issues like the catastrophic floods in Texas. However, his remarks and a government memo released on July 7 have left many of his most loyal supporters feeling betrayed.
The memo, bearing FBI and DOJ logos but unsigned, stated that no additional Epstein files would be released and that no client list existed. It explained that much of the material was sealed by court orders to protect victims and that only a fraction of the case would have been revealed had Epstein gone to trial.
This announcement contradicts Bondi’s earlier claims. In February, she had suggested a “truckload” of undisclosed material existed, and in May, she referenced “tens of thousands” of disturbing videos involving Epstein. In February, far-right influencers were even invited to the White House and shown binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1,” which reportedly contained mostly public documents.
The reversal has sparked fierce criticism from Trump allies like Steve Bannon, Laura Loomer, and Glenn Beck, who now accuse the administration of a cover-up. Prominent conservative Megyn Kelly branded Bondi as “either lazy or incompetent.”
Despite the outrage, Trump publicly defended Bondi in a social media post, writing, “She is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA.”
The Epstein case has long fueled conspiracy theories among Trump supporters, particularly over Epstein’s death in jail in 2019, which was ruled a suicide. Trump had previously promoted the idea of a cover-up, and during his campaign had promised to declassify Epstein-related files. In 2023, he told Tucker Carlson he believed Epstein died by suicide but added, “it’s possible” he was murdered.
Trump’s shifting stance and Bondi’s inconsistent claims have created turmoil within his support base — a group once unified in its belief that justice would be served. Now, many feel silenced by the very administration they helped elect.