Frustration is growing within former President Donald Trump’s circle over the inconsistent messaging surrounding the latest Jeffrey Epstein documents released by the Justice Department. Initially, White House officials highlighted photographs of former President Bill Clinton in the first batch of files, but shifted to downplaying the significance of materials mentioning Trump in the second release.
Trump aides have minimized the new disclosures of over 30,000 Epstein-related documents, labeling some mentions of Trump as unverified or fabricated. This stands in contrast to extensive records showing Trump’s repeated travels on Epstein’s private plane. The administration’s attempts to redirect attention towards other presidential priorities have stalled efforts to control the narrative.
The vacillating communication has caused internal frustration, with GOP strategist Matthew Barlett describing the situation as “confusing and compounding.” He noted, “It’s perpetuated this news cycle, continues to give the White House and administration a massive headache of their own making, and I don’t see any remedy any time soon.” This turmoil follows a year of Epstein-related controversies and mishandled responses.
The Justice Department urged the public to approach the documents with skepticism, especially accusations against Trump. It stated, “Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.” The DOJ added that credible evidence “would certainly have been weaponized” against Trump earlier if it existed.
Meanwhile, Trump has maintained a low public profile, spending much of the day on the golf course and avoiding media engagement. His subdued reaction contrasts with earlier efforts by aides to spotlight Clinton’s appearances in the files to pressure Democrats. The ongoing saga remains a political challenge for Trump, despite his base’s strong interest in the Epstein case.
A notable break came from GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, who condemned the president for opposing the release of Epstein files while emphasizing solidarity with victims. She posted, “Only evil people would hide this and protect those who participated. I pray for these women.”
The White House continues to downplay the Epstein documents, attempting to shift focus on economic policy and other legislative priorities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt concentrated on promoting economic growth and policy initiatives, though she briefly reiterated DOJ’s repudiation of a fabricated letter linking Trump to Epstein.
Despite these efforts, the administration’s inconsistent stance fuels ongoing scrutiny and complicates public perception. The Epstein files saga persists as a significant distraction, with the White House struggling to align messaging amid mounting political pressure.
Read more at: www.cnn.com
