Epstein Client List Is A Hoax Says Trump: US President's Truth Social Rant Sparks MAGA Backlash

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy among his supporters after claiming the widely discussed Jeffrey Epstein 'client list' is a fabrication created by Democrats. In a Truth Social post on 16 July, he dismissed the ongoing speculation as a distraction, criticising both political opponents and members of his own base.

The remarks have exposed growing divisions within the pro-Trump movement, with some high-profile figures publicly rejecting his stance. Trump's comments come amid renewed calls in the United States for further disclosure surrounding Epstein's associates and legal proceedings.

Trump Dismisses Claims as 'Scam' and 'Jeffrey Epstein hoax'

On 16 July, Trump posted on Truth Social and referred to the focus on Epstein's alleged client list as a 'scam' and 'nothing but rubbish', accusing those still seeking answers of 'doing the Democrats' work'. He added that the issue was detracting from what he called his administration's 'unprecedented success', and suggested that those still raising questions were no longer part of his political movement.

Later, speaking in the White House, Trump reiterated that the client list 'does not exist' and described the ongoing interest in Epstein-related investigations as a 'dead end'. He labelled his critics as 'weaklings' and claimed they had fallen for disinformation, according to Reuters.

Republican Figures Push Back

Several prominent voices within Trump's political circle, including former adviser Steve Bannon and retired General Michael Flynn, responded by urging further transparency. House Speaker Mike Johnson also called for an independent investigation into outstanding files, AP News reported.

A Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI memo released last week reaffirmed that Epstein's death was officially ruled a suicide. The memo stated there was no formal 'client list' in the available legal records. However, some Republican figures remain sceptical, arguing that essential documents may still be unreleased.

A Divided Political Strategy

Commentators suggest Trump's strong rejection of the Epstein controversy may reflect an effort to refocus his campaign narrative, according to Vanity Fair. While conspiracy theories have played a role in building his support base, Trump appears to be distancing himself from claims he now considers a liability.

Polling conducted last month found that a majority of Americans, about 79 per cent, support full disclosure of any names linked to Epstein's criminal proceedings, The Independent reported. Analysts say this could present a risk to Trump if his stance is viewed as dismissive or evasive during a key election period.

Some political strategists have warned that alienating a vocal segment of the Republican base could prove counterproductive. They argue that many of Trump's most loyal followers remain invested in the idea that the Epstein case involves powerful, unexposed figures.Trump's decision to publicly discredit the Epstein client list theory marks a rare public split between the president and part of his MAGA base. MAGA's conspiracy roots are showing signs of rebelling. However, his remarks may help him reposition his campaign towards swing voters, but risk alienating conspiracy-minded supporters who demand continued investigation.

As calls for transparency grow louder in both the US, Trump faces the challenge of balancing political pragmatism with a movement rooted in distrust of elites. How he navigates this tension may prove crucial to maintaining influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.