Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation


What happened
In a lengthy, angry post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump Wednesday lashed out at "PAST supporters" who are now criticizing his administration's handling of its investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump claimed the growing furor over the Epstein files was a Democratic "SCAM," accusing his critics of having "bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line and sinker."
Also Wednesday, the Justice Department fired Epstein's federal prosecutor, Maurene Comey, without explanation, Politico reported.
Who said what
Trump's social media post was his "strongest rebuke" of his supporters yet, said CNN. Shifting blame onto the Democrats has "worked with his base in the past, but so far has not achieved its desired effect" this time around, said The New York Times.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The scandal threatens to "consume" the presidency, Trump ally and staunch Epstein "truther" Laura Loomer told Politico. The "best thing" Trump can do is "appoint a special counsel to handle" the case, she said.
What next?
MAGA Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is working to "force a vote" in the House requiring the full release of all Epstein documents, said CNN. But that vote "isn't expected to take place" until members return from their summer break in September.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.
-
Can Trump bully Netanyahu into Gaza peace?
Today's Big Question The Israeli leader was ‘strong-armed’ into new peace deal
-
Court allows Trump’s Texas troops to head to Chicago
Speed Read Trump is ‘using our service members as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities,’ said Gov. J.B. Pritzker
-
The GOP: Merging flag and cross
Feature Donald Trump has launched a task force to pursue “anti-Christian policies”
-
Five key questions about the Gaza peace deal
The Explainer Many ‘unresolved hurdles’ remain before Donald Trump’s 20-point plan can get the go-ahead
-
Judge bars Trump’s National Guard moves in Oregon
Speed Read In an emergency hearing, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Portland
-
Russia: already at war with Europe?
Talking Point As Kremlin begins ‘cranking up attacks’ on Ukraine’s European allies, questions about future action remain unanswered
-
Museum head ousted after Trump sword gift denial
Speed Read Todd Arrington, who led the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, denied the Trump administration a sword from the collection as a gift for King Charles
-
Trump declares ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels
speed read This provides a legal justification for recent lethal military strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats