Latest news with #Hoax
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump calls Epstein controversy a "Hoax" and "bulls***"
Washington — President Trump said the ongoing controversy over his administration's handling of information related to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is a "Hoax" and "bulls***," criticizing members of his own party who are calling for more transparency as "weaklings." In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday morning, the president compared the uproar over the Justice Department's handling of the so-called Epstein files to past controversies, like the investigation into his 2016 campaign's possible ties to Russia and Hunter Biden's laptop. "[T]hese Scams and Hoaxes are all the Democrats are good at - It's all they have - They are no good at governing, no good at policy, and no good at picking winning candidates," he wrote. "Also, unlike Republicans, they stick together like glue. Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker." He continued: "I have had more success in 6 months than perhaps any President in our Country's history, and all these people want to talk about, with strong prodding by the Fake News and the success starved Dems, is the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax. Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore!" In a meeting at the White House later in the morning, the president reiterated his statement, telling reporters "they're wasting their time with a guy who obviously had some very serious problems, who died three, four years ago." "I'd rather talk about the success we have with the economy, the best we've ever had, and all of the things we've done, including the Middle East. I mean, you see it. Instead, they want to talk about the Epstein hoax," Mr. Trump said. "And the sad part is it's people that are really doing the Democrats' work. They're stupid people." Mr. Trump's statements highlighted the deep divisions in his party over the handling of the Epstein case, including among some of his strongest supporters. The current controversy began last week, when the Justice Department issued the findings of an internal review of the evidence against Epstein, a well-connected financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and died in federal custody in 2019. The department said the review found no "client list" or evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent figures. The memo was met with anger from many of Mr. Trump's supporters, who have long called for more transparency about the Epstein files, which they believe might implicate other powerful figures in Epstein's crimes. The review also exposed internal divisions within the administration itself. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the Justice Department's handling of the case, and prominent conservatives have called for Bondi to be fired or resign over her decision to withhold any additional files. The president has defended Bondi's work on the case, telling reporters on Tuesday that she has "handled it very well." Prominent Democrats have pressured their GOP colleagues to push for more transparency from the administration, so far unsuccessfully. Two procedural maneuvers in the House that would have required the administration to reveal more evidence about the Epstein case failed to overcome GOP opposition earlier this week. But Mr. Trump's supporters in conservative media and his fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill are continuing to call for the administration to release more of what the government knows about the Epstein case. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Mr. Trump's closest congressional ally, told conservative podcast host Benny Johnson that he is "for transparency" in an interview on Tuesday. "It's a very delicate subject, but you should put everything out there, let the people decide it," the speaker said. "Pam Bondi needs to come forward and explain it to the American people. Let's get this thing resolved." Other Republicans have called on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former partner who is serving a 20-year prison sentence on charges related to sex trafficking, to testify before Congress. GOP Sen. Josh Hawley said that senators "ought to call her in the Judiciary Committee, put it under oath and have her testify." The president has tried to tamp down the controversy within his party since last week, saying on Tuesday that the Epstein case is "pretty boring stuff." "I don't understand it, why they would be so interested. He's [been] dead for a long time, he was never a big factor in terms of life. I don't understand what the interest or what the fascination is," he told reporters. "I really don't, and the credible information has been given." Son of man who was violently detained by ICE reacts after release Mike Johnson breaks from Trump, calls on DOJ to release Epstein files 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits southern Alaska
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Trump slams his own supporters as ‘weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein ‘hoax'
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) NEW YORK — U.S. President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a 'Hoax.' 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull——,' hook, line, and sinker,' Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. 'They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.' 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he went on. The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers on issues in the past, but never with such fervor. Though Trump cannot legally run for another term, he will need strong support from a united party to pass his remaining legislative agenda in a narrowly-divided Congress and an energized base to turn out in next year's midterm elections. Dangled documents The schism centres on the Trump administration's handling of documents related to Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI acknowledged in a memo that Epstein did not maintain a 'client list' to whom underage girls were trafficked. They also said no more files related to the investigation would be made public, despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists. 'It's a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,' she had said. The reversal sparked fury among Trump's most loyal defenders, who have turned on Bondi, in particular. But Trump has repeatedly said he maintains confidence in his attorney general and had instead chided those who continue to press the issue. 'I don't understand what the interest or what the fascination is,' he said Tuesday, after unsuccessfully urging his ''boys' and, in some cases, 'gals'' to stop wasting 'Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.' In an Oval Office appearance Wednesday after the Truth post, Trump made clear that he was done with the story and said he had 'lost a lot of faith in certain people.' 'It's all been a big hoax,' he told reporters. 'It's perpetrated by the Democrats, and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net.' He complained that Bondi has been 'waylaid' over her handling of the case and has given out all 'credible information' about the wealthy financier. 'If she finds anymore credible information she'll give that, too,' Trump said. 'What more can she do than that?' Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories like those surrounding Epstein, including embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda that casts Trump as a savior sent to demolish the 'deep state.' Anger still brewing Trump's comments have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers. Some of the podcasters and pro-Trump influencers who helped rally support for Trump in the 2024 campaign said Wednesday they were disappointed or puzzled by his comments. Far-right conspiracy theorist and podcaster Alex Jones called Trump's handling of the Epstein situation 'the biggest train wreck I've ever seen.' 'It's not in character for you to be acting like this,' he said in a video Tuesday. 'I support you, but we built the movement you rode in on. You're not the movement. You just surfed in on it.' Benny Johnson, a conservative podcaster, said on his show that he is a fan of Trump's movement but is trying to 'give tough love and speak on behalf of the base.' 'Maybe it hasn't been framed correctly for the president,' Johnson said. 'I don't know.' House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in an interview on Benny Johnson's show Tuesday, had called for the Justice Department to 'put everything out there and let the people decide.' His first-term national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn implored Trump in a lengthy message to correct course. 'All we want at this stage is for a modicum of trust to be reestablished between our federal government and the people it is designed to serve. That's all (PERIOD!),' he wrote. 'With my strongest recommendation, please gather your team and figure out a way to move past this.' Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on his podcast attempted some damage control on Trump's behalf. 'Don't take too seriously this whole Truth Social here,' Kirk told his audience. 'I know some people are getting fired up about this. I don't believe he was trying to insult anybody personally.' He also offered a message to Trump. 'The grassroots is not trying to make you look bad,' he said. 'We want to try and make sure the bad people that have done such terrible things to you can finally be held accountable.' Other Trump allies have stuck by his side, suggesting he does not need the influencers who have capitalized on Epstein conspiracy theories to make money and earn viewers. 'He lent you his clout and voters,' Brenden Dilley, the head of a group of meme makers who have lent their support to Trump, wrote on X on Wednesday. 'They don't belong to you.' Broader disapproval While those speaking out represent a fringe of Trump's most vocal online base, they are not the only ones dissatisfied with the government's handling of the Epstein case, according to recent polling. A CNN/SSRS poll, for instance, found that about half of U.S. adults are not satisfied with the amount of information the federal government has released about the Epstein case. About 3 in 10 said it doesn't matter either way and about 2 in 10 didn't know enough to offer an opinion. Almost no one said they were satisfied with the amount of information released. Looking ahead to 2026 midterm elections, some Democrats are clear-eyed that the Epstein files may not be a front-and-centre issue for voters who tend to put a premium on kitchen table issues, but they see it as part of a broader pattern that could hamper Trump and the GOP. 'There is something breaking through to voters getting at this idea of a Republican Party working for these big, corrupt, wealthy, famous people and not fighting for their constituents,' said Katarina Flicker of the House Majority PAC, Democrats' super PAC for congressional races. ___ Associated Press writer Ali Swenson, Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report. Jill Colvin, The Associated Press
American Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- American Press
Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for what he now calls the Epstein 'hoax'
Jeffrey Epstein, center, appears in court in West Palm Beach, Fla., on July 30, 2008. (Associated Press Archives) President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a 'Hoax.' 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull——,' hook, line, and sinker,' Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. 'They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.' 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he went on. The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers on issues in the past, but never with such fervor. Though Trump cannot legally run for another term, he will need strong support from a united party to pass his remaining legislative agenda in a narrowly-divided Congress and an energized base to turn out in next year's midterm elections. Dangled documents The schism centers on the Trump administration's handling of documents related to Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI acknowledged in a memo that Epstein did not maintain a 'client list' to whom underage girls were trafficked. They also said no more files related to the investigation would be made public, despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists. 'It's a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,' she had said. The reversal sparked fury among Trump's most loyal defenders, who have turned on Bondi, in particular. But Trump has repeatedly said he maintains confidence in his attorney general and had instead chided those who continue to press the issue. 'I don't understand what the interest or what the fascination is,' he said Tuesday, after unsuccessfully urging his ''boys' and, in some cases, 'gals'' to stop wasting 'Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.' In an Oval Office appearance Wednesday after the Truth post, Trump made clear that he was done with the story and said he had 'lost a lot of faith in certain people.' 'It's all been a big hoax,' he told reporters. 'It's perpetrated by the Democrats, and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net.' He complained that Bondi has been 'waylaid' over her handling of the case and has given out all 'credible information' about the wealthy financier. 'If she finds anymore credible information she'll give that, too,' Trump said. 'What more can she do than that?' Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories like those surrounding Epstein, including embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda that casts Trump as a savior sent to demolish the 'deep state.' Anger still brewing Trump's comments have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers. Some of the podcasters and pro-Trump influencers who helped rally support for Trump in the 2024 campaign said Wednesday they were disappointed or puzzled by his comments. Far-right conspiracy theorist and podcaster Alex Jones called Trump's handling of the Epstein situation 'the biggest train wreck I've ever seen.' 'It's not in character for you to be acting like this,' he said in a video Tuesday. 'I support you, but we built the movement you rode in on. You're not the movement. You just surfed in on it.' Benny Johnson, a conservative podcaster, said on his show that he is a fan of Trump's movement but is trying to 'give tough love and speak on behalf of the base.' 'Maybe it hasn't been framed correctly for the president,' Johnson said. 'I don't know.' House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in an interview on Benny Johnson's show Tuesday, had called for the Justice Department to 'put everything out there and let the people decide.' His first-term national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn implored Trump in a lengthy message to correct course. 'All we want at this stage is for a modicum of trust to be reestablished between our federal government and the people it is designed to serve. That's all (PERIOD!),' he wrote. 'With my strongest recommendation, please gather your team and figure out a way to move past this.' Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on his podcast attempted some damage control on Trump's behalf. 'Don't take too seriously this whole Truth Social here,' Kirk told his audience. 'I know some people are getting fired up about this. I don't believe he was trying to insult anybody personally.' He also offered a message to Trump. 'The grassroots is not trying to make you look bad,' he said. 'We want to try and make sure the bad people that have done such terrible things to you can finally be held accountable.' Other Trump allies have stuck by his side, suggesting he does not need the influencers who have capitalized on Epstein conspiracy theories to make money and earn viewers. 'He lent you his clout and voters,' Brenden Dilley, the head of a group of meme makers who have lent their support to Trump, wrote on X on Wednesday. 'They don't belong to you.'
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Trump slams own supporters as ‘weaklings' for falling for Epstein ‘hoax'
US President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters, accusing them of being duped by Democrats, as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a 'Hoax'. 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'b******t, hook, line, and sinker,' Trump wrote Wednesday on social media, using an expletive in his post. 'They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.' 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he went on. The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers in the past, but never with such fervour. A group of young protesters holds pictures of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump outside federal court in downtown Manhattan in July 2019. Photo: TNS The schism centres on his administration's handling of documents surrounding Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex-trafficking charges.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Trump slams his own supporters as 'weaklings' for falling for the Epstein 'hoax'
Published Jul 16, 2025 • 2 minute read Attorney General Pam Bondi, left, listens as President Donald Trump, right, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. Photo by Evan Vucci / AP NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump is lashing out at his own supporters as he tries to clamp down on criticism over his administration's handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which Trump now calls a 'Hoax.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this 'bull***,' hook, line, and sinker,' Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. 'They haven't learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.' 'Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don't even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don't want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he went on. The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers in the past, but never with such fervour. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The schism centers on his administration's handling of the Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI acknowledged that Epstein did not maintain a 'client list' to whom underage girls were trafficked, and they said no more files related to the investigation would be made public, despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists. Bondi had suggested in February such a document was sitting on her desk waiting for review. Last week, however, she said she had been referring generally to the Epstein case file, not a client list. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's a new administration and everything is going to come out to the public,' she had said at one point. Trump has since defended Bondi and chided a reporter for asking about the documents. 'I don't understand what the interest or what the fascination is,' he said Tuesday. The blowup comes after Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories, including embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda that casts Trump as a saviour sent to demolish the 'deep state.' Trump's comments so far have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers. 'For this to go away, you're going to lose 10%' of the 'Make America Great Again' movement, former adviser and Steve Bannon said during a gathering of young conservatives recently. Far-right commentator Jack Posobiec has said he will not rest 'until we go full Jan. 6 committee on the Jeffrey Epstein files.' House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also appeared to break with Trump, calling for the Justice Department to 'put everything out there and let the people decide.' 'The White House and the White House team are privy to facts that I don't know. This isn't my lane. I haven't been involved in that, but I agree with the sentiment to put it out there,' Johnson told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. Crime Entertainment Toronto & GTA World NFL
