Epstein case: Trump and the conspirators he called

Donald Trump has caught his career with many: the media, the judiciary, political opponents. But now he meets a power he created himself: his most loyal supporters.

The reason: In the case of the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Trump had once promised to put light into the dark and publish the secret investigative files – a promise that went deep into the world of his conspiracy.

Well, back in power, the president doesn’t want to know anything about it. The outcry among his fans is great, a tear sample threatens. What is greater, the belief in the great conspiracy or loyalty to Donald Trump?

Why is the case of Epstein special?

The case links the most severe sexual crimes with the top circles of the American elite. Financed Jeffrey Epstein, a multiple millionaire, is said to have sexually abused underage girls between 2002 and 2005 – partly only 14 years old – and sexually abused in New York, Florida and on his private island. He was supported by his long -time partner Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted.

Epstein maintained close contacts with celebrities: Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Prince Andrew – but also Michael Jackson, Stephen Hawking and David Copperfield appeared from him at least one event, according to court records. Videos also show Epstein and Trump while celebrating.

As early as 2008, Epstein had avoided a federal procedure in Florida through a deal with an advantageous deal – which made it a symbol of a morally and legally inviolable elite for many. The case finally escalated in 2019, when Epsteinn was found dead in his prison cell in New York after his arrest.

Did he really kill himself?

The investigation showed that it was suicide. The examination of New York forensic medicine supported this. Minister and high officials from three US governments repeatedly confirmed that there were no evidence that other people were involved in Epstein’s death.

Nevertheless, speculation persistently last – depending on the political orientation, the Clintons or Donald Trump were suspected. The circumstances nourished suspicion: the guards missed on death on death, although Epstein had already attempted suicide a month earlier.

What did Trump have to do with Epstein?

Trump and Epstein celebrated together in the 1990s, as video recordings show. According to protocols, Trump flew at Epstein’s private jet at least seven times. In an interview from 2002, he called Epstein a “great man” – and said about him: “It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do. And many of them are more of the younger variety.” In 2019, Trump distanced himself as President of Epstein and declared that he knew nothing about abuse. According to journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein later described Trump as his formerly “best friend” and raised severe but unused allegations.

The mixture of rich and powerful men, apparently lax prosecution and a dubious death prepared the ideal breeding ground for suspicion. Especially since the abuse of minors at the center of other broad-based conspiracy theories in recent US history is, including the (long-refuted) so-called “pizza agent”, which claimed high-ranking democrats in a pizzeria in Washington.

What did Trump promise before the election? What does he say now?

After Epstein’s death, Trump repeatedly doubted the suicide version-although he as president had access to all results of the investigation. Before the election in 2024, he was generally open to the release of the files, which delighted many conspiracy theorists in his followers.

The fact that he called two supporters of unaffected theories with Kash Patel and Dan Bongino to the top of the FBI was considered a signal. But now the U -turn: Patel and Bongino confirmed the official version of suicide that files were not released.

Minister of Justice Pam Bondi also rowed back – although she had previously claimed that an “customer list” was on her desk. The White House explained this with a misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Trump himself asked his supporters to forget Epstein and called the case a “dizziness”.

Why did Trump changed his opinion?

This is unclear – and that is exactly what speculates. Because who calls “there is nothing to see here” is faced with something that is worth considering. Under Trump’s followers, made sharp by himself, many now wonder if their president has something to hide themselves.

After the break between Trump and consultant Elon Musk, he wrote a few weeks ago on X: “Time to let the really big bomb burst: @Raldonaldtrump is in the Epstein files.” He did not deliver any documents.

It is plausible that Trump’s name appears as a well -known Epstein’s investigative documents – without it automatically fault. Among other things, it was also mentioned in a harmless connection in court documents. It is open whether the secret files of the FBI contain more. In any case, Trump’s behavior does not contribute to the displacement of the suspicion. Some speculate that he may want to protect other powerful people.

Why is the turn so explosive?

The affair around Epstein touches the core of the self-image of his “Maga” coalition: Trump as a fighter of the little man against a corrupt elite that exploits the country. This narrative was so powerful that it contributed to his return to the White House – his followers believed it almost unconditionally.

But now the suspicion is in the room that Trump can even be part of the system that he promised to combat. This harbors political explosive power: because two central drive forces bounce into each other – the anger on the elites and the loyalty to the president.

How dangerous is that for Trump?

In any case, the pressure is growing. The Republican Chair of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, as well as some conservative MPs feel the resentment in their constituencies and demand transparency – as well as numerous right -wing influencers. In view of her otherwise almost unconditional loyalty to Trump, this is remarkable.

In 2016 Trump claimed that he could shoot someone on the open street without losing voters. But the break with parts of his most loyal supporters in the Epstein affair could weigh more heavily. The 79-year-old risks deep cracks in the foundation of his movement-and his party may have a bitter defeat in the congress elections and thus loss of power. To regain trust, Trump would have to react. Only different than before.