A recently resurfaced interview from June 2024 reveals that former President Donald Trump expressed hesitation regarding the release of the so-called Epstein files. In a discussion with Fox News, Trump indicated a reluctance to declassify these documents, which has drawn mixed reactions from his supporters and intensified scrutiny over the Justice Department’s handling of information related to Jeffrey Epstein.
During the interview, Trump weighed the release of the Epstein files against other historical documents, stating he was more inclined to disclose information about government investigations into the deaths of prominent figures such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.. He noted, “you don’t want to affect people’s lives if it’s phony stuff in there,” when discussing the Epstein files. Trump also expressed interest in releasing more details surrounding Epstein’s controversial death, describing the circumstances as “a weird situation” and questioning the reliability of the security footage from that time.
The interview’s edited segments have gained traction on social media. Fox News aired a version where Trump appears to agree to release the Epstein files, omitting his reservations. The edited clip was subsequently shared by Trump’s campaign account, Trump War Room, leading to criticism regarding the selective presentation of his statements. The full interview was later made available on Will Cain‘s Fox News radio show.
Concerns have escalated among Trump’s supporters as frustration mounts over the lack of new revelations from his administration regarding Epstein. This backlash has intensified following the Justice Department’s announcement that it would not disclose further documents related to its investigation into Epstein, despite prior indications from law enforcement officials that more information would be forthcoming.
The Justice Department’s recent memo concluded that Epstein died by suicide and stated that he did not maintain a so-called client list. This contradicts earlier assertions made by Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, who claimed in February that such a list was “on [her] desk.” Following the release of the memo, the White House clarified Bondi’s statement, asserting that she meant the complete set of documents from the investigation were in her possession.
Trump defended Bondi in a post on Truth Social, urging his followers to move on from discussions surrounding Epstein and suggesting that claims about the files were politically motivated. The backlash against Bondi is growing, with calls for her ouster emerging in response to the recent developments.
In a related critique, Tucker Carlson, a prominent ally of Trump, has publicly condemned Bondi for her earlier comments about the Epstein files, labeling them as “a bunch of ludicrous claims.” This commentary has further fueled dissatisfaction among some factions of Trump’s base, who are demanding more transparency regarding Epstein’s connections and the circumstances of his death.
As Trump navigates these issues, the discussions surrounding the Epstein files and the Justice Department’s handling of related information remain significant points of contention within his political landscape. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of public perceptions around accountability and transparency in high-profile investigations.
