In a stunning escalation of internal conflict, former President Donald Trump is facing a fierce backlash from his MAGA base over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. As tensions rise, Trump has publicly defended Attorney General Pam Bondi, labeling her efforts as “fantastic,” but his words have done little to quell the storm brewing within his ranks.

The controversy reignited last week when the Justice Department released a memo concluding there was no client list tied to Epstein and confirming his death by suicide. This revelation has left Trump’s most ardent supporters, including influential figures like Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer, feeling betrayed and demanding accountability. The MAGA crowd voiced their displeasure at a recent Turning Point USA summit, where boos echoed in response to questions about the Epstein investigation.

As the fractures deepen, House Democrats are seizing the moment to push for transparency. California Congressman Ro Khanna and Texas Representative Mark VC are spearheading efforts to compel Bondi to release all records associated with Epstein, with Khanna proposing an amendment to a cryptocurrency bill that would require public disclosure within 30 days. Meanwhile, tensions have flared within Trump’s circle, highlighted by a heated confrontation between Bondi and FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, who has threatened to resign over the fallout.

Amidst the chaos, Trump’s attempts to rally support for Bondi have backfired, with criticism mounting on social media. The stakes are incredibly high for Trump as he grapples with the potential fallout from the Epstein scandal, which threatens to fracture his base further and undermine Republican prospects ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterms. If he cannot restore unity, the Epstein controversy could morph into a political hurricane, reshaping the landscape of American politics.