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Trump vs. MAGA: Epstein presents first real test

Nicole Russell   Paste BN

Republicans have been split among different factions for a long time – there are MAGA Republicans, traditional conservatives and right moderates, who once were the foundation of the GOP but who’ve lost influence in the past decade.  

But the different branches have been largely united over President Donald Trump’s accomplishments such as a stronger economy, a more efficient government and a more sensible approach to foreign affairs. 

Yet now, one group of conservatives – MAGA Republicans – is angry at Trump for failing to release information about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. It’s the first real rift between Trump and his MAGA base, highlighting how some voters elect presidents with specific expectations. What happens when those expectations are unmet?  

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In a July 7 memo, the Department of Justice said that a “systematic review” of documents “revealed no incriminating” client list related to Epstein, who died in his jail cell in 2019 awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The memo also says there's no evidence that Epstein was murdered while in custody. 

Some conservatives maintain that there is a list and are still demanding its release. On July 14, House Republicans voted against forcing the Justice Department to release the so-called Epstein files. 

Trump is now downplaying the matter. “I don't understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody,” he said this week. “It's pretty boring stuff. I think really only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going." 

But Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and others in the administration have had plenty to say in the past about Epstein and the supposed conspiracy to stop the public from learning more about the powerful and wealthy elites who may have participated in the sexual exploitation of minors.  

So, it’s strange for Trump and his administration not to release information about Epstein now. 

My vote for Trump had nothing to do with Epstein. I voted for him to fix the economy, make the government more efficient and lower taxes. He is doing these things.  

Are you disappointed that Trump has not been cooperative about the Epstein list? Is that why you voted for Trump? I’d love to know. Reach out: nrussell@gannett.com or click here to sound off in our Opinion Forum.

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