Politics Weekly America Trump goes to war with Maga over Epstein files
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Jul 17, 2025 Ali Breland, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into Donald Trump's fraught association with Jeffrey Epstein and the tensions within his MAGA base. They discuss the call from loyalists like Laura Loomer for Trump to release Epstein's files, revealing cracks in their unwavering support. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of loyalty and disillusionment among Trump’s supporters, as well as the ideological rifts that the Epstein scandal has exposed within the Republican Party.
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Justice Dept Ended Epstein Probe
- Trump's Justice Department announced no further release of Epstein files and found no credible evidence of blackmail.
- They confirmed Epstein's suicide was not foul play, disappointing conspiracy believers especially in MAGA.
Epstein Client List Flip Causes Backlash
- Attorney General Pam Bondi's claim about reviewing Epstein's client list raised expectations before it was dismissed.
- The flip-flop on the files' existence angered both grassroots supporters and prominent Trump allies as manipulative.
Trump Attacks His Own Supporters
- Trump surprised and attacked his own MAGA base over the Epstein files, calling it a Democrat hoax.
- This marked a rare split as loyal supporters broke with him over the issue of child abuse conspiracies.