Trump calls Epstein files investigation "a big hoax"
Trump turns on supporters demanding Epstein file transparency
President Trump posted on Truth Social on July 16, 2025, calling the Epstein controversy the 'Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.' He labeled supporters who wanted the files released as 'weaklings' and wrote, 'I don't want their support anymore.' In the Oval Office that same day, he told reporters it was 'a big hoax perpetrated by the Democrats and some stupid Republicans.'
Key Concepts
Essential concepts and terms to understand this topic
Federalist-Antifederalist Debate
The founding-era debate between those supporting the Constitution and those opposing ratification.
Executive Agreements
International agreements negotiated and signed by the President that carry force without Senate ratification.
Federal Question Jurisdiction
Federal courts' constitutional authority to hear cases involving federal law, treaties, and the Constitution itself.
Informal Executive Power
Policy influence exercised by unelected White House staff through control of information, meetings, and access to the President.
Congressional Oversight
Congressional authority to investigate the executive branch and compel compliance with subpoenas.
Federalism
Power is divided between the federal government and state governments, each exercising authority in designated areas.
Key People
6
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Called the Epstein files a 'big hoax' and labeled supporters pushing for transparency as 'weaklings.' Claimed the files were 'made up' by Democrats. His DOJ released a memo saying no client list existed, contradicting his own attorney general. Later signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law in November 2025 after overwhelming congressional pressure.
Pam Bondi
U.S. Attorney General
Told Fox News in February 2025 that Epstein's client list was 'sitting on my desk.' Her department's July 7 memo said no such list existed. She brushed aside questions about the contradiction and faced contempt threats from Congress over incomplete file releases later in 2025.
Mike Johnson
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Ended the House legislative session one day early on July 22 to prevent a bipartisan vote on Epstein file releases. He blocked the House Rules Committee from advancing Epstein-related measures. He later reversed course and voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November after the discharge petition gained momentum.
Ron Wyden
Ranking Democrat, Senate Finance Committee
Revealed on July 17 that Treasury held an Epstein file with 4,725 wire transfers totaling nearly $1.1 billion. Pressed Attorney General Bondi, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and FBI Director Patel to release the records. Introduced a bill to force Treasury to turn over the banking records.
Kash Patel
FBI Director
Oversaw the FBI's review that produced the July 7 'no client list' memo. In 2023, before becoming director, he told a far-right influencer the client list hadn't been released 'because of who's on that list.' During September 2025 congressional testimony, he repeatedly refused to say whether Trump's name appeared in the files.
Anna Paulina Luna
U.S. Representative (R-FL), Chair of Declassification Task Force
Demanded Bondi release the complete Epstein files by May 16, 2025, accusing her of 'stonewalling.' Led the bipartisan push that resulted in the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Her task force pressure, combined with a discharge petition, eventually forced House leadership to allow a vote.
Claims & Perspectives
False
False
Trump said the Epstein files were 'made up by Comey, they were made up by Obama, they were made up by Biden.'
Both federal investigations into Epstein occurred during Republican administrations. The 2006-2008 investigation happened under President George W. Bush. The 2019 investigation that led to Epstein's arrest happened under Trump's own DOJ, led by Attorney General William Barr [1]. James Comey served as FBI director from 2013 to 2017 and wasn't in charge during either investigation [2]. The files are investigative records from FBI agents and federal prosecutors spanning two decades.
False
Trump said he 'was never on Epstein's Plane.'
Trump posted this on social media in 2024. However, a 2020 email from a federal prosecutor released in the December 2025 files stated Trump was listed as a passenger on at least eight Epstein jet flights between 1993 and 1996 [1]. Four of those flights included Ghislaine Maxwell as a co-passenger. The prosecutor's email didn't allege criminal conduct by Trump, but the flight logs directly contradicted his denial [2].
Misleading
Misleading
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Epstein's client list was 'sitting on my desk right now to review.'
Bondi made this statement on Fox News on February 21, 2025. Her own department's July 7 memo concluded that no 'client list' existed after an exhaustive search of databases, hard drives, and physical files [1]. The White House later tried to reframe her statement, with press secretary Leavitt claiming Bondi meant 'all of the paperwork' related to Epstein, not a specific list [2]. The contradiction was never directly addressed by Bondi.
Misleading
The Epstein case is purely political because Democrats are using it to attack Trump.
While Democrats pushed for transparency, much of the pressure came from within Trump's own party. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) publicly demanded 'release the damn files' and warned the issue could hurt GOP midterm prospects [2]. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) led the Declassification Task Force that pressured Bondi. The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed the House 427-1, with bipartisan support [1]. MAGA supporters, including Laura Loomer, also demanded action.
True
True
Trump said supporters pushing for Epstein transparency are 'weaklings' doing 'the Democrats' work.'
Trump posted this on Truth Social on July 16, 2025. The full quote: 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this bullshit, hook, line, and sinker...Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work...I don't want their support anymore!' [1][2]. This attacked members of his own base, including Republican senators and representatives who had called for transparency.
True
FBI Director Kash Patel previously said the Epstein client list hadn't been released 'because of who's on that list.'
Rep. Jamie Raskin played video of Patel making this statement during a 2023 appearance on far-right influencer Benny Johnson's show [1]. When Patel became FBI director and his department released the July 7 memo saying no client list existed, the contradiction was glaring. During September 2025 congressional testimony, Patel repeatedly refused to say whether Trump's name appeared in the files [2].
What you can do
Contact your representative about government transparency
civic action
Members of Congress from both parties pushed for the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Your representative's position on government transparency matters. Ask whether they support full, unredacted releases and what they're doing to ensure compliance.
Track your senators' positions on Treasury Epstein records
civic action
Sen. Wyden revealed Treasury holds banking records showing $1.1 billion in wire transfers through Epstein's accounts. Treasury Secretary Bessent has refused to release them. Your senators can press for this information.
Support Epstein survivor advocacy organizations
awareness
Survivors like Haley Robson and Marina Lacerda have spoken publicly, pushing back against Trump's 'hoax' characterization. Organizations supporting trafficking survivors help amplify their voices and push for accountability.