Trump Says “Stupid Republicans” Are Falling for Epstein Lore

Palm Beach, FL — July 17, 2025

President Donald Trump is pushing back hard against renewed speculation surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged “client list,” dismissing the controversy as a partisan smear campaign.

Speaking at a press conference outside Mar-a-Lago, Trump told reporters, “It’s all a hoax. The Democrats want a distraction from their failures—and stupid Republicans are playing right into it.” He also accused the media of “recycling garbage” and claimed he had “nothing to do with Epstein’s crimes.”

The remarks came in response to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s conflicting statements, including her claim that the list was “on her desk.” The files she eventually released to conservative influencers have been criticized as incomplete and largely duplicative of public records.

Trump’s distancing contrasts with former Vice President Mike Pence’s call for full transparency, including a limited release of Epstein-related documents to the public—excluding victim identities. Meanwhile, a House task force led by Republican lawmakers is investigating potential obstruction and whistleblower allegations of file destruction within the DOJ.

Critics from both parties argue Trump’s combative tone dodges the larger issue of public accountability. Supporters, however, view it as a necessary stance against what they describe as politically motivated conspiracy theories.

With election season heating up, the Epstein saga remains a volatile flashpoint in American politics—one that neither party seems eager to fully unpack.