President Donald Trump sparked backlash from within his own MAGA base over the weekend after publicly urging supporters to stop fixating on the controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and instead focus on his administration’s broader goals.
In a lengthy Truth Social post on July 12, Trump scolded those attacking Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Department of Justice’s recent Epstein findings, which concluded that Epstein died by suicide and that there is no secret “client list,” per BBC News, despite years of speculation to the contrary.
“They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” Trump wrote. “We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening… Let’s… not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”
Trump’s call for unity was immediately met with anger and disappointment from some of his most loyal supporters, many of whom had seen the Epstein case as a cornerstone of the broader “deep state” narrative they believed Trump was fighting to expose.
Fallout Over the “Epstein Files”
The president’s post came after weeks of escalating tension. Earlier this year, Attorney General Bondi had claimed that a client list tied to Epstein was “sitting on my desk,” per The Independent, sparking renewed hope among Trump supporters for long-promised revelations.
But when the DOJ’s official memo declared there was “no credible evidence” of blackmail or a secret list, those same supporters turned their frustration toward Bondi.
Far-right personalities like Laura Loomer publicly called for her removal, accusing her of deceiving the public and delivering nothing of value. “Mark my word,” Loomer wrote, “the lack of actual results… will cost the GOP House and Senate seats.”
Adding to the chaos, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly failed to report to work Friday following a disagreement with Bondi. Axios reported that Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel had both clashed with the administration over how to handle the Epstein documents.
Despite the DOJ’s findings, Trump doubled down on defending Bondi and dismissed the so-called “Epstein Files” as political fiction. “They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier,” he wrote, blaming “Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden Administration.”
He insisted the Epstein controversy was designed to divide and distract his base. “Now my so-called ‘friends’ are playing right into their hands.”
MAGA Pushback: “You Promised Us That”
Trump’s attempt to shut down the conversation triggered an immediate backlash online. Many longtime supporters expressed disbelief and betrayal.
"This statement breaks my heart, Mr. President," one fan wrote. "I have four daughters, and live in Texas, where families lost little children. I can’t even begin to comprehend the flipped narrative that 'it was so long ago' 'why are we still talking about this' and 'nobody should care.' These victims were some ones daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughter. Someone’s child. Please reconsider, sir."
Another added: "We want the ELITE P*DOS exposed! You promised us that. Pam promised us that. Kash promised us that. Now it’s OUR fault bc we want that promise fulfilled and call Pam out every time she lies? What else has she lied to us about?"
"This is going to cost you so many supporters," a third added. "I being one of them. I have been to multiple rallies and even was there on J6. This is one of the main things that needs fixed. Our 2 tiered system of justice needs to end. We the people are tired of it."
One supporter replied: "All due respect Mr. President, we voted for change and a big part of that change was for transparency and accountability."
"You promised us Sir. Putting your MAGA base down is not going to make this go away. Pam Bondi has LIED to us time and time again. Who is advising you?" another asked.
Another empassioned response read: "Mr. President, PLEASE pay attention to what we are saying. You promised ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, and JUSTICE! Unlike with other matters, AG Bondi hasn’t provided that with Epstein—PERIOD, end of story! WE elected you, expecting YOU to hold up to your end of the deal. Bondi’s excuses are NOT. GOOD. ENOUGH. Not for “transparency.” NOT FOR VICTIMS. Not for Americans who are SICK of TWO-TIERED “just-us” because they have money and can afford to control politicians and LEOs!"
Their anger was echoed at a recent conservative youth event, where former Trump strategist Steve Bannon reportedly heard attendees accuse Trump of “becoming the deep state.”
Bondi’s Shifting Story
Bondi’s evolving position on the Epstein files has only deepened the confusion. After earlier promising explosive revelations, she recently reversed course — saying there is no such list and confirming Epstein died by suicide.
She later claimed the FBI was reviewing “tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child p*rn,” though she provided no details or timeline. The White House clarified that Bondi was referencing Epstein-related files broadly, not a specific list.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna called the administration’s handling of the situation “a complete disappointment.”
Trump: “Somebody That Nobody Cares About”
Asked about the backlash earlier this month, Trump appeared irritated. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years… That is unbelievable,” he told a reporter.
In his post, he urged supporters to redirect their energy toward voter fraud investigations, economic recovery, and foreign policy. “We are saving our Country and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, which will continue to be our complete PRIORITY,” he wrote.
But for many supporters, his message struck a dissonant note — signaling a shift away from one of the issues they believed he would confront.