logo
Trump calls for MAGA base to end 'Epstein Files' obsession

Trump calls for MAGA base to end 'Epstein Files' obsession

News.com.au2 days ago
President Donald Trump urged his political base on Saturday to stop attacking his administration over files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a case that has become an obsession for conspiracy theorists.
Trump's Department of Justice and the FBI said in a memo made public last week there was no evidence that the disgraced financier kept a "client list" or was blackmailing powerful figures.
They also dismissed the claim that Epstein was murdered in jail, confirming his death by suicide at a New York prison in 2019, and said they would not be releasing any more information on the probe.
The move was met with incredulity by some on the US far-right -- many of whom have backed Trump for years -- and strident criticism of Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
"What's going on with my 'boys' and, in some cases, 'gals?' They're all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!" Trump said Saturday in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform.
"We're on one Team, MAGA, and I don't like what's happening. We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish people' are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein," he added, referring to his "Make America Great Again" movement.
Many among the MAGA faithful have long contended that so-called "Deep State" actors were hiding information on Epstein's elite associates.
"Next the DOJ will say 'Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed,'" furious pro-Trump conspiracy theorist Alex Jones tweeted after last week's move. "This is over the top sickening."
Far-right influencer Laura Loomer called for Trump to fire Bondi over the issue, labeling her "an embarrassment."
But on Saturday, Trump came to the defense of his attorney general, suggesting that the so-called "Epstein Files" were a hoax perpetrated by the Democratic Party for political gain, without specifying what benefits they hoped to attain.
On Saturday, Trump struck an exasperated tone in his admonishment of his supporters.
"For years, it's Epstein, over and over again," he said. "Let's...not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about."
The US president called for Patel and Bondi to instead focus on what he terms "The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020," which Trump lost to Joe Biden.
The Republican has repeatedly perpetuated unfounded conspiracy theories about his loss being due to fraud.
He called for the FBI to be allowed to focus on that investigation "instead of spending month after month looking at nothing but the same old, Radical Left inspired Documents on Jeffrey Epstein. LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE'S GREAT!"
Trump, who appears in at least one decades-old video alongside Epstein at a party, has denied allegations that he was named in the files or had any direct connection to the financier.
"The conspiracy theories just aren't true, never have been," said FBI Director Patel on Saturday, hours before Trump's social media post.
Not everyone, however, seemed to be on the same page.
US media reported that Dan Bongino -- an influential right-wing podcast host whom Trump appointed FBI deputy director -- had threatened to resign over the administration's handling of the issue.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EU pledges unity and warns of countermeasures after Trump imposes further tariffs
EU pledges unity and warns of countermeasures after Trump imposes further tariffs

SBS Australia

timean hour ago

  • SBS Australia

EU pledges unity and warns of countermeasures after Trump imposes further tariffs

Mexico and the EU are still reeling from Donald Trump's surprise announcement of a 30 per cent tariff on the two major United States trading partners over the weekend. The announcement, made in copies of letters posted on Trump's social media, came after weeks of negotiations failed to reach comprehensive trade deals. EU trade ministers have met in Brussels to discuss their response, pledging unity within the bloc, and warning of countermeasures if negotiations with the US ultimately fail. Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen has called the tariffs unacceptable and unjustified, but stresses negotiations to reach a deal remain the EU's priority. "We do not want a trade war with the US we want to avoid it and we had, I think many of us, want to thank the Commissioner for being very transparent in his negotiations with the U.S. team. The clear impression that we were very, very close in agreement in principle. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible due to this presidential letter, but it is still our major vision that we should reach an agreement." However, he warns the bloc will be prepared with countermeasures in the event that talks break down. "But we also want to send a clear signal that it must be a fair deal for everybody, and if that's not possible to reach, then we will leave out no options, and we know very well that we have a toolbox with a lot of tools." European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic says the 30 per cent tariff would make it almost impossible to continue trading as before, with significant consequences for supply chains, and says the EU will do everything it can to ensure a different outcome. He says while he is hopeful talks will be successful, the new tariff threat has also strengthened the bloc's commitment to building internal trade agreements to protect EU interests. "We are very obviously also discussing what we can do to trade more with each other. That was a very clear message from the trade ministers today. Work as hard as possible on new market access, use the existing free trading agreements which are there, and we happen to have the free trade agreements now with all of these major trading partners and we intend to use them to the maximum.' President Trump says he's open to discussions with the EU and other trading partners before higher tariffs kick in on August 1. 'No, we're going to be talking to people. We have, you know, I watched the show this morning, they were talking about 'Well when is he's going to make the deal?' The deals are already made. The letters are the deals. The deals are made. There are no deals to make. They would like to do a different kind of a deal and we're always open to talk. We are open to talk, including to Europe. In fact, they're coming over, they'd like to talk.' In his letter to Mexico's leader, Mr Trump said the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and drugs into the United States, but said more is needed to stop America from turning into what he calls a "Narco-Trafficking Playground." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says she still expects an agreement to be reached before the hefty tariffs take effect. Ms Sheinbaum says Mexico is still working to accommodate President Trump's demands, and to find compromises that also work in Mexico's interests. "We have a working group and we expect to reach an agreement. That is our approach. Issues related to fentanyl and security are also on the agenda, and as for that, progress has been made towards an agreement, always within the framework of respect for our sovereignty." But international trade expert Jacob Kirkegaard says he's less hopeful about an agreement being reached between the EU and the US. "What it shows is that Donald Trump thinks he can maybe get a deal by threatening to escalate. But I have to think, I think it will backfire. I think what he has signalled to the EU is that all the efforts that the European Commission has made to try to accommodate, try to negotiate a deal, meant nothing for Trump." These threats to the EU and Mexico the latest in the string of trade levies Trump has imposed across the globe in recent weeks. They include threats to impose 50 per cent tariffs on imports from Brazil, 25 per cent tariffs against Japan and South Korea, and 35 percent tariffs on goods from Canada. Mr Kirkegaard says for the EU and the US, retaliation and escalation is looking increasingly likely. "The EU really has no other choice. If there is no deal by October, sorry, by August 1, which I think is less likely now, then we're in a trade war and we will have to see where it ends."

Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final
Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final

News.com.au

time2 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Internet loses it as Donald Trump pockets item at Club World Cup final

The fallout to Donald Trump's chaotic appearance at the Club World Cup continues with the US President accused of stealing a medal. The leader of the free world had already caused a stir when he ignored Chelsea players and remained on the stage during the club's celebrations following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Monday. Footage of Chelsea star Cole Palmer's perplexed facial expression at the sight of Trump on the victory dais has gone viral in the past 24 hours and there was no hiding captain Reece James' frustration with Trump's presence when he was preparing to hold the silverware aloft. The 79-year-old was seen handing out many of the medals during the procession of players walking onto the stage alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The pair then handed the trophy over to James. It is an unwritten rule for politicians and dignitaries to leave the stage at that point to give the team their moment to shine, but the 47th President of the United States remained on stage with a beaming smile, — even pumping his fist while players began chanting a club anthem. With snipers and security agents stationed around the stadium, Trump appeared to be gestured away from the stage initially by Infantino, before an incredulous James, 25, was seen asking him, 'Are you staying?' The Republican leader had also inadvertently blocked the view of Golden Ball winner Palmer, who had a confused look on his face as he was also seen asking James, 'What's he doing?' Marc Cucurella was also seen staring inquisitively at Trump and then started laughing when James appeared to ask him to leave. Vision taken by spectators in the stadium showed FIFA President Gianni Infantino eventually walked into the middle of the stage to escort Trump out the back behind the players. There was more drama to come as Infantino quietly handed Trump a champions medal on the side of the stage while players were celebrating. Trump didn't appear to care too much as he put the item inside his jacket pocket and walked off the stage. A ten-second video of Trump's act has gone viral on social media with many fans suggesting the President had stolen the medallion — however, those claims have proven to be false, judging by extended footage shared online. It wasn't the worst moment for Trump. He was loudly booed as he walked onto the field following the game. He had also been jeered by some sections of the crowd when he was shown on the big screen inside the stadium. According to the BBC, there was one more round of booing as Trump left the field. Speaking after the game, Palmer, 23, and James both admitted they were surprised about the turn of events. Palmer told the BBC: 'I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy so I was a bit confused, yeah.' Captain James added to Sky Sports: 'Before they told me he (Trump) was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. 'Then I thought he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay.' You can literally see Cole Palmer visibly confused at Trump being there, you can’t make this up 😭😭😭😭 — bastoni enjoyer (@Makiark1) July 13, 2025 Reece James asking Donald Trump ‘are you gonna leave’ and Trump just not moving for the trophy lift is mental 😂😂😂😂😂 — Leyton Bracegirdle (@leytonb) July 13, 2025 Following the game Trump revealed he had a good time, and joked he would even consider signing an executive order to change America's naming of 'soccer' to football for next year's World Cup. Football fans around the world had been left in stitches at the scenes of Trump putting himself in the middle of the celebrations. One person posted on X: 'Who invited Trump? He thinks he's part of the team'. One fan wrote: 'Awkward!!!! Trump doesn't know social cues. Watch the guy trying so hard to get him to leave'. Another posted: 'It's so annoying and embarrassing to see someone not related to the game at all ruining player's dream moment.'. One person wrote Trump 'outstayed his welcome'. Others, however, described Trump's actions as 'legend s***'. One person posted on X: 'Trump is a baller for real. Chelsea just won the club world cup. Trump gave them the trophy and refused to leave the podium, almost jumping with the players.' Another person wrote: 'Trump is having the time of his life at the FIFA Club World Cup'.

DOJ urges US court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell appeal
DOJ urges US court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell appeal

West Australian

time2 hours ago

  • West Australian

DOJ urges US court to reject Ghislaine Maxwell appeal

The United States Department of Justice has urged the Supreme Court to reject an appeal from Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The British heiress is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Florida after she was convicted of recruiting and grooming underage girls that Epstein sexually abused. Maxwell, 63, asked the Supreme Court in April to review the ruling of a federal appeals court that in September 2024 rejected her appeal of her conviction and sentence. In a letter sent to the court, Maxwell's lawyers argued on Monday that she is judicially protected by a 2007 agreement signed between Epstein and federal prosecutors in Florida in a separate case. In the agreement, the Attorney General's Office reportedly agreed not to prosecute Epstein's potential co-conspirators, but despite this, the US prosecuted Maxwell years later as an accomplice, according to her legal team. US Solicitor General John Sauer argued in the DOJ letter that Maxwell's position is "incorrect, and petitioner does not show that it would succeed in any court of appeals." The DOJ's request comes a month after the department, along with the FBI, concluded that there is no evidence that Epstein kept a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked. The DOJ and the FBI have also reportedly reviewed several hours of video footage that confirms that no one entered the part of the Manhattan prison where the 66-year-old billionaire took his life while awaiting trial. The department also said no "further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted" and that one of its "highest priorities is combating child exploitation and bringing justice to victims." One of Maxwell's lawyers, David Oscar Markus, said in statements reported by ABC News that he would be "surprised" if US President Donald Trump "knew his lawyers were asking the Supreme Court to let the government break a deal." "He's the ultimate dealmaker and I'm sure he'd agree that when the United States gives its word, it should keep it (...) It's especially unfair that Ghislaine Maxwell remains in prison based on a promise the government made and broke," he noted. In 2021, Maxwell - who pleaded not guilty to all the criminal charges against her - was convicted by a jury in 2021 on five of six counts, including conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store