In July 2025, former President Donald Trump sharply condemned the continued scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, calling it a politically motivated “witch hunt.” His remarks marked a significant escalation in rhetoric amid mounting pressure to release more Epstein-related records source.
During a July 22 Oval Office interaction with a reporter, Trump dismissed growing demands for transparency about Epstein’s network as misguided. He claimed the ongoing attention is “the continuation of the witch hunt,” and urged that it be redirected—insisting critics should instead turn their gaze toward former President Barack Obama and alleged conspiracies from his administration source.
Earlier in the week, Trump attempted to deflect focus via Truth Social, describing what he called the “Epstein Files” fixation as a Democratic fabrication. He branded the controversy the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax” and criticized supporters who had continued pressing him for release of sealed documents. He referred to questioning Republicans as “weaklings” and declared he no longer wanted their allegiance source.
Trump wrote: “Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax … hook, line, and sinker. … Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats’ work.” He further admonished those still focused on Epstein to stop distraction and respect the accomplishments of his administration source.
Complicating the narrative, the Justice Department and FBI issued a memo in early July stating there was no evidence of a so-called “client list” connected to Epstein, and confirming his death in jail in 2019 was by suicide. These official conclusions stood in stark contrast to earlier statements from conservative promoters and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously suggested she had documents waiting to be disclosed source.
Trump’s aggressive language has laid bare rifts within his political coalition. Former allies—including House Speaker Mike Johnson and commentators like Steve Bannon—have diverged, with some calling for full disclosure of Epstein-related records. Johnson, while still allied with Trump, publicly stated that the Epstein case is “clearly not a hoax” and insisted on transparency source.
Meanwhile, supporters of Trump remain divided. Some firmly believe Democrats are weaponizing the Epstein story for political gain; others, wary of perceived suppression of information, continue to push for hearings and full releases of DOJ documents source.
Public outrage and conspiracy theories around Epstein’s death and alleged ties to elites have remained potent political currency. The sudden assertion by Trump that the case is a witch hunt has only intensified the debate. Analysts note that his shift—from hints of declassification to declaration of a hoax—raises questions about the administration’s commitment to accountability source.
The controversy intensified further when Trump encouraged the Justice Department to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate,while simultaneously calling scrutiny of that process another aspect of the broader “witch hunt.” Maxwell’s legal team has confirmed contact with DOJ prosecutors, and potential cooperation has become a flashpoint of interest source.
Why This Matters
Trump’s labeling of the Epstein probe as a witch hunt reflects a broader political play: positioning himself and his administration as besieged by a partisan attack. At the same time, his refusal to indulge long-time supporters demanding transparency may hurt internal cohesion within his base.
Given the persistent public interest, accusations of elite cover-ups, and political stakes leading into midterm elections, Trump’s stance could have considerable implications—not only for his own legacy but for how sensitive investigations intersect with partisan media campaigns and voter trust.