'He's not able to bury this story': Trump faces revolt from MAGA base

Political Fallout & Transparency Demands - The report highlights House Speaker Mike Johnson's call for more transparency regarding the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case [1] - A push for public disclosure of the Justice Department's files on Jeffrey Epstein is growing, even among Trump allies [1][2] - The Justice Department's memo stated it found no incriminating client list or credible evidence of blackmail, leading to no further disclosure, which has stunned some Trump supporters [4] MAGA World Controversy & Internal Division - The Epstein scandal has ignited a political wildfire within MAGA world, exposing a potential fraying of Trump's political coalition [5][6] - Right-wing Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Green, have criticized the administration's stance on Iran, Ukraine, and the Epstein matter, suggesting Trump has betrayed his voters [6] - The base feels betrayed, believing Trump was supposed to break the system of elites getting away with wrongdoing, and this cover-up suggests he may not be different [6] Trump's Response & Shifting Narrative - President Trump initially praised Epstein but now attempts to dismiss the story as "fake news," a narrative that is not resonating with his supporters [7] - Trump's supporters believe there is more to the Epstein story than he is letting on, fueled by his past rhetoric against elites [7] - Trump's attempts to change the narrative have been unsuccessful, and the story continues to gain traction [7] Republican Party Dynamics & Pressure on Leadership - House Speaker Mike Johnson's call for releasing the Epstein files is remarkable, given his usual reluctance to defy Trump, indicating the political pressure he's facing from his constituents [7] - Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition to have a floor vote on releasing the Epstein files, potentially bypassing leadership [8] - Lawmakers are feeling significant political pressure from Republicans to demand more transparency in the Epstein case [10]