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Trump’s Epstein Curse

The president’s perplexing reversal on releasing the Epstein case files has become the rare issue on which the MAGA base seems unwilling to follow his lead. It may not matter during the midterms, but it’s “the first real example of Trump’s base attacking him,” a Republican strategist said. “This softens him up for the next time he crosses them.”

Pam Bondi trump
In February, Bondi had lured right-wing influencers to the White House with promises of releasing new information about the sex offender, who died in his jail cell in 2019. Instead, the administration backpedaled. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Leigh Ann Caldwell
July 16, 2025

If anyone bet that the so-called Epstein files would be the first issue on which House Speaker Mike Johnson broke with Donald Trump, I hope you received a hefty payout. Johnson, who has been among the most loyal soldiers for the president, has been rewarded with Trump’s help in retaining his speakership, as well as passing difficult legislation and funding bills. But in his pleasant, boyish way, he scolded the Justice Department on Tuesday for its handling of the Epstein case, telling right-wing YouTube host Benny Johnson that Attorney General Pam Bondi should “put everything out there and let the American people decide,” and that Bondi “needs to come forward and explain” what information she has about Epstein.