Epstein Case Sparks Scrutiny on Trump, Lawmakers

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin falsely attributed the 2008 plea deal that allowed Jeffrey Epstein to avoid federal sex crime charges to President Barack Obama, although the deal was made under President George W. Bush's administration with Alex Acosta as the prosecutor. CNN's Jake Tapper repeatedly corrected Mullin on air and also debunked President Donald Trump's claims that damaging material in the Epstein files could have been planted by political opponents, labeling such theories as baseless. Journalist Tara Palmeri further challenged Trump's narrative by providing evidence contradicting his claimed falling out with Epstein, confirming continued ties during the relevant period. The renewed controversy has shifted focus toward Trump's personal connections to Epstein and the efforts by some lawmakers to control or block the release of Epstein-related documents. These developments have intensified scrutiny of misinformation and political maneuvering in the handling of the Epstein case.