Epstein files like Russia hoax: Trump doubles down as GOP blocks Democrats' second release attempt

Trump said that Attorney General Pam Bondi should release whatever she thinks is ‘credible’ regarding the Epstein Files.

Published on: Jul 16, 2025, 03:14:03 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump doubled down on his defence of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the claim that the Epstein Files were a ‘made-up’ Democrat hoax.

Trump had earlier gone on Truth Social to ask his ‘boys and gals’ to lay off Bondi. (Bloomberg)

He said the files were ‘made up by Obama’, ‘made up by Biden’. Trump also compared them to the ‘Russia hoax’. The ‘Russia hoax’ is a counter-narrative which Trump launched against credible proof of Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.

Republicans block Epstein Files release

Speaking to reporters, he said that Bondi had handled the situation well and he felt she should release whatever she thinks is ‘credible’ regarding the files. His statement to the press came even as the Republicans blocked a second attempt by the Democrats to get the files released. In a late-night vote at the Capitol on Monday, the GOP had first succeeded in blocking the release of the Epstein files, and today they succeeded when the entire Congress was to vote on the matter.

Also Read | Ghislaine Maxwell to spill beans on Epstein list? Netizens fear for ‘her life’

MAGA rift over Epstein Files

The release of the Epstein Files has caused a rift in the MAGA base, with some Trump supporters disappointed with the POTUS going back on his word regarding the file's release.

Noted MAGA member Marjorie Taylor Greene also called out the government over the release of the files, but voted against it in Congress, as per Democrat Congressman Eric Swalwell.

Trump had earlier gone on Truth Social to ask his ‘boys and gals’ to lay off Bondi when the MAGA base turned their outrage towards the AG after the Department of Justice announced that not only would the files not be released, but also they would not be prosecuting anyone else in the matter.

Even as the Republicans have moved to block the release of the files and Trump continues to call them a ‘hoax’, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice, has reportedly expressed a desire to appear before Congress to reveal the truth about the files.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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