Top MAGA voices stunned by Trump administration debunking Epstein theories
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
FBI director Kash Patel speaks at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in March. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The MAGA movement erupted in disbelief Monday after top administration officials said convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had not blackmailed elite figures, kept a "client list" or been murdered in prison.
Why it matters: MAGA's fundamental distrust of the "deep state" sparked years of conspiracy theories over Epstein's suicide in prison while facing federal sex trafficking charges. Now, even declarations from movement stalwarts like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, the top two officials at the FBI, are not enough to placate adherents.
What they're saying: Social media lit up with posts casting doubt on the findings Sunday and Monday, even questioning the integrity of Patel, Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi, who were either longstanding allies of President Trump or prominent figures in MAGA media themselves before entering the administration.
- "As trusted voices like @FBIDDBongino, @FBIDirectorKash, and @AGPamBondi align with the official story, many are asking: Who's still willing to demand real answers?" LindellTV, the outlet helmed by Trump ally Mike Lindell, posted on X.
- "Assuming this leaked Epstein Files memo is true, then we all know this is a shameful coverup to protect the most heinous elites," added influencer Rogan O'Handley, who goes by DC Draino.
The other side: The White House defended the administration's handling of the issue, saying the memo was an example of its commitment to "transparency."
- "They committed to an exhaustive investigation. That's what they did," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday.
Zoom out: Axios first reported Sunday that the Justice Department and FBI had written a memo saying they found no evidence Epstein had been murdered, kept a "client list" or extorted powerful figures.
- The administration also released video from the hours before Epstein's death showing that nobody else had entered his cell.
- The memo said nobody else involved in the Epstein case will be charged and that the administration would not release any material in its possession detailing child sexual abuse or information on Epstein's victims.
Between the lines: Patel and Bongino were both prominent purveyors of conspiracy theories around Epstein's death as influencers prior to Trump's inauguration.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the DOJ and FBI found no evidence that Epstein was murdered (not that there was no evidence he killed himself).
