Trump’s Epstein Files Backfire: Republicans and the Public Turn Against Him

Washington, D.C. – As the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to make headlines, Donald Trump finds himself in an unprecedented political bind. Attempts by the former president and his allies to reframe the documents as a Democratic hoax are failing spectacularly, even among his own supporters.

Fox News analyst Jessica Tarlov highlighted the disconnect during a recent segment, pointing out that Trump’s approval on handling the Epstein files has plunged to minus 39, with only 45% of Republicans approving. “The American people are seeing through these desperate attempts,” Tarlov said, calling the messaging “dumb.”

Trump’s Desperate Attempt to Hide the Files

Sources indicate that Trump’s initial strategy was to suppress the release of the Epstein documents entirely. The administration reportedly tried to minimize public attention, but leaks and email drops kept the issue in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Republican attempts to defend the president by exaggerating minor mentions of Democratic figures, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have largely fallen flat. In reality, Jeffries appears just once in the files—in a fundraising email—while Trump is mentioned over 1,000 times, including statements praising Epstein and commenting on his preference for “beautiful women… often on the younger side.”

“This is not about partisan spin,” Tarlov emphasized. “Trump’s ties to Epstein are clear and undeniable. The American people are not buying the idea that it’s a Democratic hoax.”

Republicans Break With Trump

Polling data underscores a remarkable fracture: 67% of Republicans support releasing the Epstein files, outpacing Trump’s approval on the same issue. Analysts note that Republican representatives, seeing this, felt free to defy Trump and vote in favor of disclosure. Google searches for Epstein surged nearly 1,200%, with Trump being the top associated search topic—proof that public interest was escalating faster than the administration could control.

“This was a rare moment where the Republican base disagreed with Trump,” one commentator noted. “The files weren’t going away, and the public demand for transparency was overwhelming.”

Fox News Caught Between Loyalty and Reality

Even within Fox News, the tension is clear. While some commentators attempt to defend Trump, others, like Tarlov, acknowledge that the numbers tell a different story. The network has struggled to spin the narrative, sometimes switching on-screen captions mid-broadcast—from “Dems get caught in pedophiles web” to the more neutral “Epstein saga and snares Democrats”—highlighting the challenge of framing the story in Trump’s favor.

A Political and Cultural Reckoning

Beyond the numbers, analysts suggest this saga reveals a deeper dynamic: Trump’s defenders, both in media and politics, have long maintained an emotionally fraught loyalty. Many have gaslit themselves into believing in his integrity despite repeated scandals. Now, the Epstein files threaten to shatter that illusion.

“This is not just about politics,” one analyst observed. “It’s about accountability, integrity, and the public’s demand for truth. Those still clinging to Trump will face a reckoning.”

The Takeaway

The Epstein files demonstrate that attempts to spin serious allegations as partisan attacks are increasingly untenable. Trump’s strategy of suppression and misdirection has failed, Republican loyalty is faltering, and public demand for transparency is surging.

As searches, polls, and media scrutiny continue to climb, the Epstein saga remains a defining challenge for Trump and his allies—one that may not fade anytime soon.