Trump Slams Republicans Over Epstein Case Criticism

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized fellow Republicans on Wednesday for questioning his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Labeling the controversy a "Democrat hoax," Trump accused GOP critics of helping his political opponents and weakening party unity.

Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, was facing federal charges of sex trafficking minors when he died by suicide in jail in 2019. The Trump administration recently backtracked on its promise to release documents that were believed to contain explosive revelations about Epstein’s alleged network, sparking backlash among Trump supporters.

“It’s all been a big hoax,” Trump said, calling out “stupid” Republicans for playing into Democratic narratives. On Truth Social, he added, “Let these weaklings continue doing the Democrats’ work—I don’t want their support anymore!”

The situation has exposed internal GOP divisions and tested Trump’s dominance over conservative messaging. Former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn pushed back, saying, “This is not a hoax,” urging Trump to “move past this.”

The Justice Department last week concluded there was no client list or evidence of blackmail by Epstein. The report confirmed Epstein’s suicide and found no signs of foul play, directly contradicting earlier claims by Trump allies Dan Bongino and Kash Patel. Speculation had surged following vague comments by Attorney General Pam Bondi, later clarified.

Despite mounting pressure, Trump defended Bondi’s role, saying she is free to release any “credible” documents. “If a document’s there that’s credible, she can release it,” he said, while also trying to shift focus: “I’d rather talk about the success we have with the economy.”

Calls for transparency continue, with Speaker Mike Johnson among Republicans seeking more document releases, though the GOP has blocked Democratic efforts to force publication.