Trump criticises own supporters in Epstein documents row

President Donald Trump has lashed out at his own supporters as he tries to clamp down on criticism of his administration’s handling of much-hyped records in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation.

“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit’ hook, line, and sinker,” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.

“They haven’t learned their lesson, and probably never will, even after being conned by the Lunatic Left for 8 long years.”

“Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he went on.

The schism between the Republican president and some of his most loyal supporters centres on his administration’s handling of the Epstein case.

Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI acknowledged that Epstein did not maintain a “client list” and they said no more files related to the wealthy financier’s sex trafficking investigation would be made public despite promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that had raised the expectations of conservative influencers and conspiracy theorists.

Mr Trump has since defended Ms Bondi and chided a reporter for asking about the documents.

Mr Trump and many figures in his administration, including FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, have spent years stoking dark and disproved conspiracy theories, including embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda that casts Mr Trump as a saviour sent to demolish the “deep state”.

Mr Trump’s comments so far have not been enough to quell those who are still demanding answers.

“For this to go away, you’re going to lose 10%” of the “Make America Great Again” movement, former adviser Steve Bannon said during a gathering of young conservatives recently.

Far-right commentator Jack Posobiec has said he will not rest “until we go full January 6 committee on the Jeffrey Epstein files”.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also appeared to break with Mr Trump, calling for the Justice Department to “put everything out there and let the people decide.”

“The White House and the White House team are privy to facts that I don’t know. This isn’t my lane. I haven’t been involved in that, but I agree with the sentiment to put it out there,” Mr Johnson told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson.