A Reuters/Ipsos poll exposed profound public scepticism toward US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, with 69% of Americans believing his administration is concealing details about the financier’s associates.
The survey, conducted over two days and closing on Wednesday, revealed only 6% disagreed with this assessment, while roughly one in four respondents remained uncertain. This follows the administration’s reversal last week on its pledge to release documents purportedly containing major revelations about Epstein and his alleged clientele.
Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender facing federal sex-trafficking charges, died by suicide in jail in 2019. The case captivated segments of Trump’s political base, who anticipated lurid disclosures after top law enforcement officials promised transparency.
Close to two-thirds of Republicans now suspect the government is hiding information about Epstein’s operations. Public approval of Trump’s handling of the case stands at just 17%, his lowest rating on any issue in the poll. Among Republicans, 35% approved whilst 29% disapproved, with others undecided or declining to answer.
Trump responded defiantly to critics within his base, dismissing them as “weaklings” aiding Democrats in a social media post:
I don’t want their support anymore!
Behind the scenes, however, Trump and senior aides have reportedly contacted key MAGA-aligned influencers, urging them to soften criticism of the Epstein investigation and refocus on broader “America First” priorities.
The backlash coincides with broader discontent over US strikes on Iran, continued involvement in Ukraine, and perceived compromises on immigration. The Epstein case has also intersected with conspiracy theories like QAnon, a belief alleging a government cabal of child abusers conspiring against Trump.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the administration is considering options including unsealing new documents, appointing a special prosecutor, or drafting executive actions on pedophilia.
Trump’s past social ties to Epstein remain a footnote: during Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2021 trial, Epstein’s pilot Lawrence Visoski testified Trump flew on Epstein’s plane multiple times in the 1990s-2000s. Trump denies this and faces no allegations of wrongdoing.
The online poll surveyed 1,027 US adults nationally, carrying a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points.
