From Mother Jones · Stephanie Mencimer · · 1m 50s
Trump Fans Turn on Him Over Epstein Files
Trump’s loyal supporters abandon him after he blocks Epstein files.
In brief
Trump’s loyal supporters abandon him after he blocks Epstein files. Trump’s supporters who believed he would protect Epstein victims now see him as a betrayal after he blocked their release. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trisha Hope's Defection
Trisha Hope, a Front Row Joe, said she would support Trump’s impeachment if Republicans lost the midterms.
“I will be walking the halls of Congress in support of that impeachment.”
Epstein Files Blockade
Trump blocked release of Epstein’s client list during a July 2025 cabinet meeting.
“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?”
QAnon's Role
QAnon believers, including Trump’s former national security advisor, saw Epstein as proof of conspiracy theories.
“We voted for Trump to arrest them.”
Epstein's Impact
63 percent of voters disapproved of Trump’s handling of Epstein files, more than any other issue.
“More people, 63 percent, disapproved of his handling of the Epstein files.”
MAGA Defections
Derrick Evans and Marjorie Taylor Greene turned against Trump after he blocked Epstein files.
“I am NOT happy, but maybe I’m in the minority.”
Trump's Betrayal
Trump dismissed Epstein victims and blocked their files, causing deep disillusionment among supporters.
“It was like a dagger in my heart.”
QAnon's Growth
By 2024, 32 percent of Trump supporters believed QAnon’s core conspiracy theories.
“By the end of 2024, nearly 20 percent of voters polled by PRRI, and 32 percent of Trump supporters, reported believing the conspiracy theory’s core tenets.”
Epstein's Legacy
Epstein’s death in prison allegedly by suicide became proof that QAnon’s conspiracy theories were real.
“The wealthy and stunningly well-connected sexual predator became proof that the conspiracy theory was not entirely a hoax.”
Trump's Response
Trump’s surrogates demanded release of Epstein files, but he blocked them after taking office.
“Been calling for ALL of it to be released so the public can have accountability.”
MAGA's Shift
Many Trump supporters now see Epstein files as a top issue in deciding how to vote in midterms.
“Justice for Epstein’s victims would be a top issue in deciding how to vote in the midterms.”
QAnon's Influence
QAnon believers used Epstein to rally support for Democrats in midterms.
“Ads for Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown linked his GOP opponent to Epstein.”
Trump's Loyalty
Trump pardoned Capitol rioters but lost key supporters over Epstein files.
“We didn’t vote for the Epstein List to be covered up.”
QAnon's Future
QAnon believers remain loyal to Trump despite his actions on Epstein files.
“I have Trump disappointment syndrome, but I’m not going to commit suicide because I’m disappointed with him.”
MAGA's Betrayal
Trump’s failure to release Epstein files caused a major split in his base.
“It was the first real betrayal. You could watch in real time as the fan bases recognized that they had been lied to.”
Epstein's Impact on Voters
Voters report very negative feelings about Trump’s handling of Epstein files.
“More people, 63 percent, disapproved of his handling of the Epstein files.”
The bottom line
Trump’s supporters who believed he would protect Epstein victims now see him as a betrayal after he blocked their release.
