Trump struggles to deflect pressure over Epstein ties: Reuters
4 Min Read
Trump faces backlash from his own base over Epstein ties, as efforts to deflect scrutiny falter and demands for transparency grow, according to Reuters.
-
US President Donald Trump gestures during a reception for Republican members of Congress in the East Room of the White House, on July 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
US President Donald Trump is facing increasing pressure from his own political base over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as efforts by the White House to change the narrative have failed to calm growing unrest.
According to Reuters' White House correspondent, Trump's usual playbook of diversion, denial, and redirection is falling short in the face of persistent demands for transparency surrounding the Epstein case.
Despite repeated attempts to distance himself from Epstein, including scolding reporters and claiming ignorance, Trump continues to face scrutiny from supporters who believe the government is hiding the extent of Epstein’s connections to influential figures.
"For a president and an administration that's very good at controlling a narrative, this is one that's been harder," said Republican strategist Erin Maguire, a former Trump campaign spokesperson.
Republican base joins call for Epstein case transparency
Unlike past political scandals, including two impeachments and the Russia collusion probe, calls for transparency in the Epstein case are coming largely from Trump’s conservative base rather than political opponents.
Many right-wing voters have long subscribed to the belief that Epstein's ties to elites were covered up. The administration’s failure to address those concerns has sparked frustration among even loyal supporters.
"Donald Trump's been running a Ponzi scheme based on propaganda for the better part of a decade, and it's finally catching up to him," said Geoff Duncan, a Republican and former lieutenant governor of Georgia.
Read next: Democrats demand copy of Epstein 'birthday book'
The report highlights that the White House has dismissed the ongoing scrutiny as politically motivated. Spokesperson Harrison Fields called it "fake news," although he acknowledged that Trump’s name appears in case-related documents, adding that, "The only people who can't seem to shake this story from their one-track minds are the media and Democrats."
In an attempt to redirect public focus, Reuters' White House correspondent stated that Trump accused former President Barack Obama of treason, chastised reporters during press briefings, and shifted attention to unrelated topics, including economic policy.
On Thursday, Trump sparred with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over construction costs and interest rates, an effort viewed by strategists as more effective than focusing on Obama-era controversies.
"If I was him, I'd go to the Fed every day until rates are cut," said Republican strategist Brad Todd.
Both parties want Epstein files released
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that a majority of Americans believe the Trump administration is withholding information related to Epstein. That perception has created a rare moment of overlap between some Trump supporters and Democrats.
Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) commented on the administration’s efforts to change the subject: "Yesterday was another example of the Trump folks trying to throw as much stuff against the wall to avoid the Epstein files," he posted on X.
LOL. They’re not even trying to hide that these other “Obama coup/hoax” fabrications are just a direct distraction topic from Epstein.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 25, 2025
We’re not looking away and we’re not giving up on pressing for transparency. Release the Epstein List. https://t.co/XUzLZh4iRG
While the Justice Department has promised to release more information, both the pace and scope of disclosure remain unclear.
Despite mounting pressure, Trump continues to enjoy support from much of his conservative base, particularly on issues like immigration and the economy. In a July Reuters/Ipsos poll, 56% of Republican respondents supported the administration’s immigration workplace raids.
Pollster Frank Luntz noted that Trump has previously survived felony charges and multiple scandals without losing political ground. "We've been in this very same situation several times before, and he has escaped every time," Luntz said.
Reuters' White House correspondent stressed that the Trump-Epstein response, marked by diversion and denial, is proving less effective as public demands for accountability grow louder, even from within his ranks.
