Trump Struggles to Appease Supporters as Epstein MAGA Fury Gets Worse: Live Updates
What to Know:
MAGA supporters are criticizing the DOJ memo that dismisses theories about Epstein's alleged "client list" and cause of death.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has come under fire for a lack of transparency.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino reportedly clashed with Bondi over the documents; Trump defended him publicly.
Trump responded to the backlash on Truth Social, saying he doesn't "like what's happening" among supporters.
Legal ally Mike Davis says the DOJ wants transparency but is limited by sealed records, grand jury material, and the need to protect victims.
Conservative voices like Laura Loomer and Benny Johnson are urging Trump to take more decisive action, including appointing a special counsel.
Activists warn that the Epstein memo controversy could distract from campaign priorities like the economy and immigration.
DOJ released the first batch of Epstein-related documents in February, referencing Trump and Clinton but not alleging wrongdoing.
Axios reports that the DOJ and FBI concluded there's no evidence of a client list or foul play in Epstein's death.
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Newsweek
15 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Full List of Republicans Who Blocked Epstein Files Vote
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven House Republicans (listed below) voted against a motion on Monday that would have allowed a congressional vote regarding the release of files in Jeffrey Epstein's case. Representative Ro Khanna, the Democrat from California, tabled an amendement for a House vote requiring Attorney General Pam Bondi to "preserve and release any records related to Jeffrey Epstein." The motion was defeated 5 to 7. One Republican member, Ralph Norman, voted yes alongside Democrats. Republican Representative Chip Roy, who missed the vote. Roy has been contacted via email for comment. Jeffrey Epstein during a party (left) at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, on February 12, 2000. (Photo by) and (right) Epstein poses for a press shoot. Jeffrey Epstein during a party (left) at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, on February 12, 2000. (Photo by) and (right) Epstein poses for a press shoot. Davidoff Studio//Corbis Why It Matters The Epstein case has become a lightning rod in American politics, and the issue has fueled conspiracy theories and mistrust in various federal institutions over the past few years. The controversy reignited after the Justice Department's recent memo concluded there was no evidence of a client list or blackmail materials, contradicting earlier statements. That sparked the ire of MAGA voters and popular conservative pundits, who fear a cover up. Republicans in the House Rules Committee just stopped an amendment that, if passed, would force Congress to vote on whether the Trump Administration should release the Epstein files. What are they hiding? — Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (@RepTeresaLF) July 15, 2025 Trump, who does not stand accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, has tried to steer the conversation away from the issue, saying he cannot understand why people are "still talking about [...] this creep," and urged, "Let's not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about." There is no evidence that Trump is mentioned in any unreleased files related to the sex offender. What To Know If passed by Congress, the amendment would have forced Attorney General Pam Bondi to publish the Epstein documents on a "publicly accessible website." Representative Khanna put this vote up to the House Rules Committee after the DOJ released a memo obtained by Axios, which states there is "no credible Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals." This memo contradicts Bondi's previous assertion in February 2025 that Epstein's so-called client list was "sitting on my desk right now to review." The alleged client list is believed by conspiracy theorists to be a list of high-profile people who were involved in Epstein's accused sex trafficking operation. Despite calls for the alleged list and more information on Epstein coming from MAGA voters, seven of the Republican majority on the House Rules Committee voted against placing Congressional pressure on the DOJ to release records on Epstein. They were: Republicans Representatives Who Blocked Epstein Files Vote Charwoman Virginia Foxx — North Carolina 5th Michelle Fischbach — Minnesota 7th Erin Houchin — Indiana 9th Nick Langworthy — New York 23rd Austin Scott — Georgia 8th Morgan Griffith — Virginia 9th Brian Jack — Georgia 3rd Those Who Voted for Release Vote Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) Ralph Norman (R-S.C) Khanna's amendment was a procedural measure, adding his proposal to the GENIUS Act. The Act is regarding assets such as cryptocurrency. Epstein's former lawyer, Alan Dershowitz has also denies the existence of an Epstein client list. On Monday, Dershowitz told News Nation there is a redacted list created by the FBI of people accused of being involved in criminal activity by Epstein's alleged victims. What People Are Saying Representative Ro Khanna on X (formerly Twitter): "Rules voted 5-7 to block the full House from voting on my amendment to have a FULL release of the Epstein file. People are fed up. They are fed up. Thanks @RepRalphNorman. Need to put the American people before party!" Democratic pundit Adam Mocker on X: "CHECKMATE: @RoKhanna has filed an amendment to force a vote on the Epstein files. He's setting a brilliant trap to make every House Republican choose between protecting Trump's cover-up or siding with their own base. This is how you fight back." John Thune, Senate Majority Leader told reporters on Monday: "Those matters fall under the DOJ and FBI's jurisdiction. President Trump has expressed his views, and the DOJ and FBI concluded there is no credible evidence of Epstein blackmailing individuals." (The Hill, July 15, 2025) President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend: "What's going on with my 'boys' and, in some cases, 'gals?' They're all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We're on one Team, MAGA, and I don't like what's happening. We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish people' are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein."
Chicago Tribune
15 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
US inflation accelerated in June as Trump's tariffs start to bite
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USA Today
17 minutes ago
- USA Today
Where's Barron Trump? What we know about Donald and Melania's son, NYU student's private life
Donald and Melania, Trump Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, Vanessa, Kai and Donald Trump III have made headlines with their attendance. But where's Barron Trump? Since he was elected the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump has shared many special "presidential" moments with his family and inner circle — and most, if not all, have been attended by members of the Trump family. But some haven't. In particular, the most private family member of this very public family has not made many public appearances at all this year, including significant events. When President Donald Trump turned 79 years old a month ago — on June 14, 2025 — it was a nationwide affair. In conjunction, the U.S. Army hosted its 250th anniversary with Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., something he had wanted since his first term as the 45th U.S. president. The White House had told USA TODAY that it was merely a coincidence that the Army's anniversary celebration was held on Trump's 79th birthday. 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Before he turned 18, Barron Trump was largely kept out of the spotlight because of Melania Trump's protective nature. He has shown interest in his father's politics, particularly during the 2024 presidential election, though he did not make many public appearances. Baby Boulos sighting! New mom Tiffany Trump posts first photos of baby Trump Boulos or 'ATB' on Instagram When was the last public appearance of the entire Trump family in 2025? Since President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2025, which also was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, life for the commander-in-chief has been busy. From Jan. 20 to July 14, for example, Donald Trump visited his home state of Florida 12 times and his private club and primary residence, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, 10 times. According to Palm Beach Post reporting, neither Barron Trump nor Melania Trump have accompanied the president on board Air Force One to Mar-a-Lago or Florida since Inauguration Day. However, other celebrities, Trump family members (Viktor Knavs, Melania Trump's father) and well-known public figures like Elon Musk and son Little X Musk have. In addition to his presidential duties, traveling and legislation, Trump has made time for significant events in sports including Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana; the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida; the NCAA wrestling championship finals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the 2025 LIV Golf Tournament at his golf club in Florida, UFC fights in Miami, Florida, and the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey. Members of the Trump family have attended these events, but the entire Trump family clan has not been publicly seen together since the week of Inauguration Day festivities. That includes all five Trump children, Donald's Trump's grandchildren, Donald Trump Jr.'s ex-wife Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump's second ex-wife Marla Maples, Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend Bettina Anderson, Melania Trump and her father, Viktor Knavs. Where does Barron Trump attend college? The NYU campus is not far from Trump Tower in Manhattan, where Barron Trump spent much of his childhood and lived until his father was sworn in as the 45th president in early 2017. Barron Trump lived in the White House with his parents until 2019, when Donald and Melania Trump permanently relocated to Trump's private club, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. With Barron Trump attending college in New York, it is notable that he is breaking away from family tradition. Barron Trump is not attending the University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown University, which have strong ties to the Trump family. Donald Trump and his other children — Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump — have attended or graduated from the prestigious universities in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., respectively. There is, however, one Trump family member with ties to NYU. The youngest Trump is following much of the family in pursuing a business degree, but forging a new path in choosing New York University's Stern School of Business, known as NYU Stern. Barron Trump's brother-in-law Jared Kushner, who is married to Barron's half-sister Ivanka Trump, has an undergraduate degree from Harvard and business and law degrees from New York University. Kushner graduated from NYU Stern. When is Barron Trump's next public appearance? Barron Trump started fall 2024 classes at NYU Stern School of Business just after Labor Day, making international headlines when he was spotted on campus flanked by Secret Service. He's likely the most famous (current) student at NYU. Though NYU has a rich social media following and the campus has held many significant events such as "NYU family weekend" or orientation, there have been zero mentions, social media tags, photos or video of Barron Trump. It's possible Barron Trump will go viral again if there are photos of him returning to NYU after Labor Day 2025, when classes start. Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
