Today's News: Continuing Turmoil Surrounds Trump Administration and Epstein Files
The Trump administration faces significant backlash from both political opponents and its own base following its decision to not release more documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Photo: John McDonnell/For The Washington Post
Overview
Date: July 23, 2025
Topic: The Trump Administration’s Handling of Jeffrey Epstein Files and Associated Political Fallout
Summary: The Trump administration faces significant backlash from both political opponents and its own base following its decision to not release more documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche briefed President Trump that his name appeared in the files, along with other high-profile figures, but concluded nothing warranted further investigation. Despite this, the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for the files, and federal judges denied requests to unseal grand jury transcripts in Florida and New York, intensifying calls for transparency. President Trump has attempted to deflect criticism and shift public attention away from the controversy.
Sources
Key Points
The Trump administration decided not to release additional Jeffrey Epstein files, despite earlier campaign promises and public pressure.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche informed President Trump in May that his name, along with those of other high-profile figures, appeared in the re-examined Epstein files.
The Justice Department and FBI concluded that nothing in the files warranted further investigation or prosecution, and that Epstein’s death in 2019 was a suicide.
This decision has led to significant backlash, particularly from President Trump’s political base, who had expected more disclosures.
The House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for the Epstein files, with some Republicans joining Democrats in supporting the effort.
Federal judges in Florida and New York denied requests by the Justice Department to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein investigations.
President Trump has actively sought to shift public attention away from the Epstein case, attempting to discredit reporting and attacking political opponents.
Unique Highlights
The New York Times: Provides a detailed timeline of President Trump’s efforts to redirect the conversation away from the Epstein case, including his attacks on former President Barack Obama, social media posts, and a defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. It also details poll numbers from Quinnipiac University and CBS News/YouGov showing significant Republican voter discontent with President Trump’s handling of the files.
CNN: Notes that White House officials characterized the May briefing to President Trump as a “routine briefing” where his name appearing in the files was not the sole focus. It also explicitly states President Trump’s denial last week that Attorney General Bondi had told him his name was in the documents.
Fox News: Features Speaker Mike Johnson’s accusation that Democrats are orchestrating a “cover-up” of President Joe Biden’s mental decline and that their push for Epstein file transparency is a “hypocritical political ploy.”
The Washington Post: Reports that the House Oversight panel also voted to subpoena all communications about Epstein between former President Joe Biden and his administration, as well as a long list of other prominent figures from both Democratic and Republican administrations, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and former FBI Director James B. Comey. It also explains that House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early to avoid votes on more releases.
The Wall Street Journal: Mentions Attorney General Bondi’s earlier statement in February that Epstein’s “client list was sitting on my desk right now to review.” It also uniquely reports that FBI Director Kash Patel privately told other government officials that President Trump’s name appeared in the files and details a public clash between Attorney General Bondi and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino over the release of the files.
NBC News: Highlights that Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent opponent of President Trump, has found an issue—the release of Epstein files—that is winning him support from MAGA allies, representing a rare alignment. It also confirms the House Oversight Committee officially subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition.
Contrasting Details
President Trump’s knowledge of his name in the files: The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal all report that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche briefed President Trump in May that his name appeared in the Epstein files. However, CNN and The Wall Street Journal specifically note that President Trump denied this last week when asked by a journalist, stating, “No, no. She’s given us just a very quick briefing.”
Republican unity on the issue: The New York Times reports on polls showing a “schism” among President Trump’s base, with 36% of Republicans disapproving of his handling of the files and nearly 60% of non-MAGA Republicans expressing dissatisfaction. The Washington Post also notes “cracks starting to emerge in the GOP coalition,” with three Republicans supporting the subpoena. In contrast, Fox News reports Speaker Mike Johnson asserting there is “no daylight” between Republicans and President Trump on the issue, despite acknowledging internal frustration among some GOP lawmakers.
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