The release of the "Epstein client list" has long been a fixation for the MAGA movement, which believed it would expose liberal elites involved in Jeffrey Epstein's child sex-trafficking operation. The mystery around the files also became a vehicle for QAnon conspiracy theorists to promote ideas about a "deep state" cover-up.
During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to declassify the Epstein files. His appointees Kash Patel and Dan Bongino had previously demanded the files' release, suggesting the Biden administration was withholding them. However, a Justice Department memo released after the Fourth of July weekend stated a review found "no incriminating 'client list'" and affirmed Epstein died by suicide.
The memo has caused turmoil among Trump's supporters, with some accusing the administration of covering up and calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi's resignation. On Truth Social, Trump dismissed the files as a hoax, claiming they were written by "Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden Administration."
Commentators like Benny Johnson and Michael Flynn criticised Trump's response. Matt Walsh called it "extremely obtuse," adding, "We don't accept obvious bullshit from our political leaders." The episode highlights how QAnon's core ideas have taken root in the broader pro-Trump movement.
QAnon emerged in 2017 and incorporated Epstein's 2019 arrest into its propaganda. Experts note that while Epstein engaged in crimes, a fantasy lore has developed beyond available evidence. Jon Lewis of George Washington University said the intertwining of QAnon and MAGA has led to mainstream adoption of fringe conspiracies.
