Trump Faces Backlash as Epstein File Controversy Resurfaces on Fox News

President Donald Trump faces criticism from his supporters and political commentators over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Despite previous promises to declassify these files, the Department of Justice recently stated it has no "client list" implicating high-profile individuals, contradicting earlier claims by Trump attorney general Pam Bondi. A 2024 Fox News interview with Trump resurfaced showing an edited clip where he appeared to fully support releasing the Epstein files, but the unedited version reveals he expressed reservations about potentially harming individuals with "phony stuff" in the documents. This discrepancy has fueled backlash and accusations of hypocrisy, especially as Trump had previously sued a media outlet over similar editing issues. Conservative voices have defended the administration’s reluctance to release sensitive information citing victim protection, though critics argue redaction is straightforward. The controversy has inflamed tensions within Trump's base, with some blaming him for igniting expectations he has struggled to meet, and has led to internal disputes within the Justice Department and FBI.