In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI announced that no “Epstein list” exists. They also said no further documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case would be released.
This angered many of Donald Trump’s supporters. Influencers and loyalists expressed confusion and disappointment over the decision. Alienation among Trump’s base continues weeks after the announcement.
The base’s frustration partly comes from conspiracy beliefs. Many conspiracist “QAnon” believers expected the Epstein files to confirm allegations against Democratic politicians. They had anticipated Trump would release these files to expose liberal elites.
Trump’s past relationship with Epstein adds tension. He publicly repeated well wishes for Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, and made controversial comments about underage girls wearing “no clothes”. Despite this, his base has long seen him as a protector of minors.
U.S. President Donald Trump pictured in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Experts say Trump’s use of “bullshit rhetoric” explains some confusion. Bullshit here refers to a disregard for truth or the audience’s right to it, rather than deliberate lying.
Jennifer Saul and colleagues explain in Why Donald Trump is such a relentless bullshitter that Trump’s speeches often show contempt for one audience while performing strength for another. His supporters usually view this as a display of power, not deception.
This situation differs because some supporters now feel they are targets of Trump’s political bullshit. They expected to be observers, not recipients, which has caused discomfort and anger.
Before the DOJ and FBI announcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump that his name occurs repeatedly in the unreleased documents. The context of these mentions is unclear. Other non-guilty individuals are named too.
After the denial of a list, Trump claimed the files were made up by former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Media outlets described this statement as blatantly false.
Saul notes that bald-faced lies count as bullshit because they do not intend to deceive but advertise the speaker’s immunity. Trump has previously used this type of statement against liberals and journalists, not his supporters.
Trump’s base reacted negatively. Many are upset they were treated as targets rather than spectators. Analysts say they feel insulted by his rhetoric and public remarks calling them “weaklings” and “pretty bad people.”
Political experts argue that Trump’s response reflects strongman politics. His base prioritizes loyalty and strength over facts, and being labeled weak is more damaging than admitting wrongdoing.
Observers note that the Epstein files controversy exposes limits to Trump’s performance of power. His supporters tolerated past confessions but are unsettled when the rhetoric targets them directly.
Overall, Trump’s handling of the Epstein files has created unusual friction within his support network. The situation highlights how political bullshit can backfire when it shifts from enemies to allies, According to theconversation.
