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Bondi's Statement Draws Fire Online
Attorney General Pam Bondi declared on X over the weekend that President Trump is leading "the most transparent administration in American history," citing efforts to release documents tied to last July's attempted assassination of the former president.
Within hours, the comment section erupted with accusations centered on a different investigation: the Jeffrey Epstein case. Critics labeled Bondi a "liar" and accused the administration of concealing evidence. One conservative YouTuber, known for blending political rants with cryptocurrency promotions, vowed to support any candidate who pledged to "arrest Pam Bondi over the cover-up of the Epstein Files."
Coalition Fractures Over Conspiracy Theories
Trump's campaign has increasingly absorbed voters from the internet's fringe corners, many of whom embrace conspiratorial narratives. A Facebook group dedicated to Epstein sleuthing dismissed the recent document release as "the greatest cover-up by a president and for a president in history," demanding further disclosures.
While the files included previously unseen photos of public figures like Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger with Epstein, the images carry no evidence of wrongdoing. The primary frustration stems from extensive redactions, which fuel suspicions of a broader cover-up.
"People don't necessarily want documents released-they want documents released that confirm what they already believe."
Joe Uscinski, University of Miami political science professor
Promises vs. Reality
Trump pledged on the campaign trail last year to support full transparency in the Epstein investigation. In February, Bondi claimed the files were "sitting on my desk" for review. Yet Friday's release fell short of expectations, drawing criticism even from allies.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, in a Vanity Fair interview, described Epstein-obsessed Trump voters as "Joe Rogan listeners"-younger, non-traditional men who prioritize the case over traditional Republican issues. Wiles acknowledged the challenge of converting them into long-term party supporters, calling the story a "hit piece" without disputing the quotes.
Influencers Go Silent as Lawmakers Demand Action
Conservative influencers like Chaya Raichik ("Libs of TikTok") and Jack Posobiec attended a Department of Justice event in July, where Bondi presented binders of Epstein documents as a "first phase." The materials contained little new information, sparking backlash. After the DOJ later denied the existence of an Epstein "client list," outrage intensified.
In the wake of the latest release, many of these figures remained silent. Laura Loomer, a MAGA influencer who has mentioned Epstein over 200 times on X this year, claimed the files exonerated Trump. Others, including attendees of the DOJ event, avoided commenting altogether, igniting infighting among right-wing factions.
Congressional Pressure Mounts
Lawmakers have been less reticent. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) denounced the release as "NOT MAGA," while Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who championed the document disclosure legislation, accused Bondi and DOJ officials of violating the law. Massie has partnered with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna to push for greater transparency, threatening to charge Bondi with "inherent contempt" for defying congressional orders.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced plans to release hundreds of thousands of additional documents by year's end, though their impact on Trump's coalition remains uncertain. Open Measures researcher Jared Holt noted the MAGA movement's declining momentum, calling it a "train falling off the tracks" with no clear path to recovery.
Polling Highlights Fragile Support
A December survey by the Manhattan Institute found nearly a third of Trump's 2024 supporters were "New Entrant Republicans"-first-time GOP voters. Only half of this group expressed certainty about supporting Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms, underscoring the coalition's instability.
