The Department of Justice released staggered batches of Jeffrey Epstein files: an initial set that included Bill Clinton photos and a later release containing references to President Trump. The White House abruptly shifted from highlighting Clinton material to urging skepticism about claims involving Trump,
Frustration Grows in Trump Camp After White House Shifts Messaging on New Epstein Files
US President Donald Trump takes questions from journalists after an announcement on a new class of battleships at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday. - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
The Justice Department’s recent staggered release of Jeffrey Epstein files triggered a sharp shift in White House messaging and mounting frustration within President Trump’s orbit. An initial batch of documents that included photographs of former President Bill Clinton was quickly amplified by aides, but a later disclosure containing references to President Trump prompted officials to urge skepticism about the materials.
Messaging About The Files Flips
White House aides initially circulated Clinton images from the first set of records as a way to put pressure on Democrats. But after a second, much larger dump — more than 30,000 files — that included references to Trump, administration spokespeople adopted a more cautious tone, downplaying the significance of some entries and suggesting that portions may be unverified or fabricated.
Justice Department Pushes Caution
“Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election,” the Department of Justice said, adding that if the allegations had credibility they would already have been used politically.
The DOJ also flagged a purported letter signed “J. Epstein” addressed to convicted sex offender Larry Nassar as a fake. That letter contained a lurid reference to “our President,” which the department cautioned should not be treated as an established fact simply because it appears in released materials.
Political Fallout And Internal Frustration
Inside the administration and among outside allies, the rapid change in approach generated frustration. Critics described the response as confused and self-inflicted, arguing the mixed messaging prolonged media attention and distracted the White House from policy priorities.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene — once a staunch Trump backer who has publicly broken with the president in recent months — posted on X about the emotional toll on survivors and criticized those she said had sought to conceal abuse. The episode has highlighted both the sensitivity of the subject and the political risks tied to how the files are handled.
Where Things Stand
Neither Donald Trump nor Bill Clinton has been accused by prosecutors of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein; both deny any misconduct. The White House’s position has shifted repeatedly over the past 11 months: some administration figures previously argued for full public disclosure while Trump, back in office, resisted the release before ultimately signing a law that required the DOJ to publish the records.
For now, the controversy continues to occupy attention across social platforms and traditional media, even as White House officials try to pivot discussion toward the president’s policy agenda and signs of economic progress.
