Trump’s outburst followed a social media post where he called the push for document release a “new SCAM” and disavowed former supporters who endorsed it. When asked if Attorney General Pam Bondi had confirmed the case as baseless, Trump replied, “I know it’s a hoax,” without elaboration.

In recent weeks, several Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have joined Democrats in demanding transparency. Johnson told a conservative podcaster that Bondi should “come forward and explain” why the Justice Department now claims there is no additional Epstein information to release.

Trump, however, insisted that focusing on Epstein distracts from his administration’s achievements, saying, “Instead of talking about the things we’ve achieved … they’re wasting their time with a guy who obviously had some very serious problems.”

Bondi's Role, DOJ Position Fuel Tensions In Washington

The controversy intensified earlier this year when Bondi claimed on Fox News that an Epstein “client list” was on her desk awaiting review. She later walked back the remark, saying she referred to documents in general. The DOJ now insists there is nothing more to release, contradicting prior suggestions from within the administration.

Representative Thomas Massie has pledged to force a vote through a discharge petition to release the files. Meanwhile, Democrats have seized on the divide, using it to pressure Republicans and reignite public scrutiny over the Epstein case.

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting federal trial on sex trafficking charges. Though he had pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008, lingering questions about his connections and client network continue to stir political fallout.