Topline
More than half of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the federal government’s documents detailing its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new poll that comes as Trump is facing an onslaught of backlash from his base over the issue.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing the “Halt All Lethal Trafficking of … More
Key Facts
Just 17% of 1,027 adults surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos said they approve of Trump’s handling of the issue, including just 35% of Republicans (the poll taken July 15-16 has a margin of error of 3).
Sixty percent said they believe the government is hiding information on Epstein’s death, including 55% of Republicans, while 69% said they believe the government is hiding Epstein’s alleged client list, including 62% of Republicans.
The poll comes as Trump is facing growing criticism on the right after the Justice Department announced last week it would not release any new information on its Epstein investigation and said the so-called “Epstein list” of his clients does not exist, delivering a blow to conspiracists who have speculated on details of the Epstein case from the cause of his death to who is among his circle of high-profile associates.
Big Number
6%. That’s the share of respondents who disagreed with the statement that the government is hiding Epstein’s alleged client list.
What To Watch For
Some on the right, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., and Laura Loomer, have called for Trump to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Epstein case. Trump said “I have nothing to do with it” when asked by a reporter Wednesday if he would make the appointment.
Key Background
The Epstein controversy marks the most significant break with his base of his second term. MAGA loyalists from Loomer and Charlie Kirk to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have refused to heed Trump’s plea to drop the issue. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in particular, has become a lightning rod for critics of Trump’s handling of the case after she suggested earlier this year the so-called “Epstein list” exists.
Further Reading
Trump Rips ‘Weaklings’ Who Criticized Handling Of Epstein Files—Calls It ‘Big Hoax’ (Forbes)
These MAGA Leaders Are Heeding Trump’s Call And Backing Off ‘Epstein List’ (Forbes)
Trump Sounded Hesitant About Releasing Epstein Files In Newly Resurfaced Interview (Forbes)
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