President Donald Trump is grappling with a "fast-metastasizing MAGA rebellion" after criticism emerged regarding how his administration handled files from the criminal investigation into the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Politico reported Monday.
According to the report, some of Trump’s closest confidants are sounding the alarm, warning the unfolding drama will "get worse before it gets better."
This controversy represents one of the most significant fractures within Trump’s base since his second term began. On one side: believers in conspiracy claims that Epstein was murdered and that he kept a “client list.” On the other: Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI officials who have found no evidence to support those theories.
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Far-right activist and MAGA influencer Laura Loomer criticized the president’s response in comments to Politico.
“I don’t think that just putting out a Truth Social post is going to make this issue go away. It’s kind of had a Streisand effect… I think that it would be wise for the White House to develop some type of a strategy in addressing the base’s concerns, so that we can mitigate any fallout or damage done to the Trump administration," she said.
Mike Davis, known as a MAGA legal advocate and occasional Oval Office visitor, defended the Justice Department. He told Politico: “The Trump Justice Department wanted to be fully transparent, but can’t... This is a case of no good deed going unpunished.”
Trump posted about the issue twice on his Truth Social platform, including one Saturday declaring he doesn’t “like what’s happening” within his own ranks, and he defended Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has absorbed much right-wing outrage.
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Upon leaving Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews Sunday, Trump was asked about Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who missed work on Friday. Trump replied, “He’s a very good guy. … He sounded terrific, actually. No, I think he’s in good shape.”