As the 2026 midterm elections loom, President Donald Trump and his administration are facing potential political repercussions for their handling of the Epstein Files.
Despite attempts to downplay the situation, political strategists and pollsters suggest that the issue could tarnish the president's reputation, according to the Daily Caller.
In a surprising turn of events, a memo leaked from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the Sunday following Independence Day. The memo revealed the conclusion of the Epstein investigation, stating there was no client list and dismissing claims of Epstein's murder.
This abrupt conclusion, which contradicted the hype generated by Trump's cabinet, has sparked outrage among his supporters. Trump has since labeled the entire situation a "hoax."
Political analysts predict this controversy could negatively impact Trump and the Republican party. "The large majority of the American public does not track the Epstein case closely, but a significant percentage of Trumps base does," GOP strategist Mark R. Weaver told the Daily Caller. He emphasized the importance of this base for the upcoming midterm elections, which traditionally pose challenges for the party in power.
Weaver suggested that Trump and his administration need to provide more information and show empathy towards the public's anger over the Epstein case to maintain their grassroots support. This is particularly crucial as Trump's coalition includes many low- or mid-propensity and first-time voters, who are less likely to participate in non-presidential elections.
A Democracy Institute poll revealed that 72% of "new voters" and "working class voters" disagreed with the administration's decision not to release an Epstein client list. Furthermore, three-quarters or more of Trump 2024 voters, new voters, and working class voters believe a client list exists and is being concealed by the administration.
In response to mounting pressure from his base, Trump took to Truth Social to liken the "Epstein Files Hoax" to Russiagate. He expressed his disappointment with his "past supporters" who are upset about the controversy. "[The Democrats] 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," Trump wrote.
Despite Trump's dismissal of the Epstein case, a Rasmussen Reports survey found that 56% of Americans do not believe the FBI and DOJ are telling the truth about Epstein's death and the existence of a client list. The poll also revealed that 68% of likely voters believe there are still powerful individuals connected to the Epstein case who need to face consequences.
Mark Mitchell, the head of polling and operations at Rasmussen Reports, believes the administration's handling of the Epstein Files could impact Trump's political standing. "Will it hurt Trump? I think it will probably take away some of this political capital, and the Republicans are already trailing in a generic ballot," Mitchell told the Caller.
However, a source close to the White House told the Caller that the administration is confident the president will continue to be judged on his promises made and kept, rather than the online sentiment of a small faction of vocal individuals on social media.
Despite this confidence, a Quinnipiac University poll found that only 17% of voters approve of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein Files, with 63% disapproving. Even among Republicans, the issue is divisive, with 40% approving and 36% disapproving of the administration's handling of the situation.
Robert Cahaly, founder of polling organization the Trafalgar Group, told the Caller, "This wont affect the midterms. It is just a minor red flag, one red flashing light among many other good things. But it is clearly a frustration amongst voters that are generally satisfied."
Despite the controversy surrounding the Epstein Files, the majority of Republicans still approve of Trump overall, suggesting that the issue may not be as damaging as some predict.
Login