Trump Faces Deepening Rift Over Epstein Saga Amid DOJ Clarifications

President Donald Trump faces growing internal conflict within his base over the Jeffrey Epstein case, with many supporters demanding more transparency while Trump seeks to downplay the issue as a distraction orchestrated by Democrats and the media. Trump has publicly rebuked followers who press for further disclosure, calling the Epstein files a "scam" and accusing "pretty bad people," including "fake news," of keeping the story alive. Despite Trump's efforts, prominent voices including former GOP strategist Rick Wilson and House Speaker Mike Johnson highlight that dissatisfaction remains among MAGA supporters, with Johnson urging the full release of Epstein-related documents. Fox News anchor Bret Baier acknowledged the persistent public interest in the Epstein saga, noting the story continues to dominate political discussions despite Trump's achievements on other fronts. The controversy has created a rift within Trump's administration and base, with Attorney General Pam Bondi facing criticism and skepticism over the investigation's handling. Fox News struggles to balance its MAGA audience’s fixation on the Epstein case with Trump's desire to move past the story, resulting in muted coverage amid renewed scrutiny of the Justice Department's role during Trump's tenure.