Trump Pushes for Epstein Grand Jury Testimony Release, MAGA Base Erupts Over Reversal

President Donald Trump is calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi to ask the courts to release grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein — a move aimed at calming rising backlash from within his own political base.

The renewed focus on Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019, comes after the Trump administration backtracked last week on a previous promise to make documents public. Many of Trump’s supporters felt blindsided — and furious — sparking accusations of a cover-up to shield powerful elites.

Now, Trump is trying to flip the script.

“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!” Trump posted late Thursday on Truth Social.

Soon after, Bondi responded with a green light.

“President Trump – we are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts,” she said on social media.

Epstein’s name has long cast a shadow over high circles of wealth and power, and Trump himself once called him a friend. That history is now back in the spotlight — especially after The Wall Street Journal published a story claiming Trump sent Epstein a note in 2003 that included a crude drawing of a naked woman. The paper says the message was part of a birthday collection for Epstein’s 50th.

With input from Al Jazeera