Public interest in the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is surging, despite efforts by President Donald Trump to shift focus elsewhere. According to a Newsweek analysis of Google Trends, U.S. search activity for “Epstein” skyrocketed by 1,900 percent between July 6 and July 13.
What Sparked the Spike
On July 6, the term “Epstein” registered a modest search score of 5 out of 100 on Google Trends. By July 13, it had jumped to the maximum score of 100, reflecting a sharp spike in public curiosity. The increase coincided with the release of a Department of Justice and FBI memo that concluded:
- Epstein died by suicide in 2019,
- There is no “incriminating client list,”
- And no credible evidence that he blackmailed public figures.
The memo contradicted months of speculation and previous statements suggesting bombshell disclosures were imminent, triggering anger from within Trump’s own base—some of whom are now calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi to be fired.
Why It Matters
Despite Trump’s repeated attempts to close the book on Epstein, the dramatic uptick in searches and online chatter signals a deep rift between his messaging and public sentiment. On Truth Social, Trump urged supporters not to “waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein,” calling continued focus on the case “selfish” and a distraction from his administration’s broader goals.
That post marked a rare “ratio” for Trump—even on his own platform—receiving more replies than likes or shares, a signal of widespread disapproval or pushback.
The Fallout
Political fallout has been swift. CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten called the controversy a “massive unforced error,” noting that it’s one of the few issues uniting typically divergent voices like Steve Bannon and Elon Musk in criticism of the Trump administration.
Bannon warned that failure to deliver transparency on Epstein could cost Republicans up to 40 seats in the 2026 midterms. Musk, who previously claimed Trump was named in the files in a since-deleted post, sarcastically remarked on X: “He said ‘Epstein’ half a dozen times while telling everyone to stop talking about Epstein. Just release the files as promised.”
Trump’s impatience with the controversy was also visible during a recent Cabinet meeting. When a reporter asked Bondi about Epstein, the president cut her off: “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years… And people are still talking about this creep?”
Polling Trends Reflect the Backlash
New polling appears to reflect the fallout. A Morning Consult survey released July 14 showed Trump’s approval rating slipping from 50% to 44%, while disapproval rose to 50%. A separate Napolitan News Service poll showed a smaller one-point decline.
What People Are Saying
Steve Bannon, War Room podcast host:
“If we lose 10 percent of the MAGA movement right now, we’re going to lose 40 seats in [2026], we’re going to lose the presidency.”
Elon Musk, on X:
“Just release the files as promised.”
FBI and DOJ, in a joint memo:
“No credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals… No basis for further disclosure.”
WH Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, to The Hill:
“President Trump is proud of Attorney General Bondi’s efforts… The continued fixation on sowing division in President Trump’s Cabinet is baseless.”
What Happens Next
As the controversy refuses to die down, the administration faces growing pressure from both supporters and critics to revisit the Epstein matter. With the 2026 midterm elections looming, observers are watching closely to see whether the White House will respond with further disclosures—or dig in.
