President Donald Trump is facing fierce backlash from within his own MAGA movement after urging supporters to “move on” from the controversy surrounding the Epstein files in a Truth Social post that has triggered a wave of anger, disappointment, and open revolt.
In the wake of the Department of Justice and FBI’s joint announcement that no “client list” exists and that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide — not murder — Trump’s demand that MAGA stop attacking Attorney General Pam Bondi has ignited a civil war among his supporters.
“This is how things go from bad to worse,” conservative commentator Benny Johnson said during a podcast recorded just hours after Trump’s post. “It just went thermonuclear with President Trump taking a side in the battle between Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi.”
Fallout Within MAGA World
Tensions have reached a boiling point, with former Dogecoin adviser Elon Musk calling on Trump to fulfill his promise. “Just release the files,” Musk tweeted. “This is a very big deal.”
Trump’s refusal to back calls for further disclosures has enraged key figures in the movement. At the center of the rift: Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino, and FBI Director Kash Patel — three senior officials clashing behind the scenes over how the Epstein matter has been handled. Bongino, reportedly infuriated by Bondi’s handling, is said to be considering resignation. Trump’s post notably omitted Bongino’s name, despite mentioning both Bondi and Patel.
Even mainstream conservatives have expressed frustration. Megyn Kelly tweeted: “I’m sure it’s a relief for Pam Bondi to hear the president is still in her corner. Unfortunately, huge swaths of the party are not. She misled on Epstein. Then disappeared. Good luck!”
At Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit, young MAGA attendees told Fox News they were disillusioned with Trump’s stance. “I do not agree with the president,” said one attendee. “There are times he just needs to stay quiet,” added another.
Open Defections and Symbolic Protest
Hardline influencers went further. Far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes mocked Trump, posting: “So now Trump is claiming the Epstein files are a Democrat hoax? Lol. MAGA is dead. Good riddance.” Conservative content creator Evan Kilgore wrote, “I feel totally betrayed. Who else?” and “RIP to Donald Trump’s legacy.”
On Truth Social, some supporters have demanded transparency and action — others have responded with visual protest, posting videos of themselves burning MAGA hats in symbolic fury.
Trump Under Pressure From Allies and Insiders
Behind the scenes, the pressure is growing. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, has called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the Epstein files. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said the DOJ and FBI “still have explaining to do.”
Even Trump loyalists in entertainment voiced discontent. Comedian Andrew Schulz criticized the administration, while actress Roseanne Barr bluntly told Trump to “read the damn room.”
Former White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin told CNN, “This is the first time I can remember Trump completely ignoring the demands of his base. He has the power to release the files — so why won’t he?”
“If President Trump wants to declassify what the government knows about Epstein, he can do it today,” Griffin continued. “The fact he hasn’t raises serious questions. This won’t go away.”
A Growing Rift in Trump’s Movement
For a president known for his instinct to ride the wave of MAGA energy, Trump’s tone-deaf handling of the Epstein revelations has sparked the deepest division within his base since the end of his presidency. Once united around distrust in elites and promises of truth, many now feel abandoned.
The MAGA movement — once Trump’s strongest firewall — is demanding answers. And the longer Trump remains silent or defensive, the more his loyal base seems ready to turn on him.