Opinion Why Jeffrey Epstein’s ghost is haunting Donald Trump today

The sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein is filled with enough ambiguity and gaps to fuel many conspiracy theories. In the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections, the release of the “Epstein Files” became a tentpole issue for Donald Trump; the late financier’s seeming impunity and connections with the high and mighty was the perfect metaphor for the “deep state” to help rally the MAGA base. Now, in office, Trump seems unable to shake Epstein’s ghost. The reality show star turned politician who takes pride in upending the conventions, rules and even the decencies of politics and policy seems to finally be facing a truth that all people in public life must confront: Even the most ardent supporter, the “base” cannot be taken for granted.

Epstein, who allegedly committed suicide in 2019 in prison under suspicious circumstances, was convicted of trafficking underage women. The source of his vast fortune is a mystery and for decades, he seemed immune — he was given sweetheart deals by prosecutors and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Donald Trump, the Clintons and Bill Gates. Epstein’s seeming impunity raised fundamental questions about the American justice system, which should be answered. Trump promised to release the “Epstein Files”, which he and his supporters, including V-P J D Vance, claimed contained client lists that include many of the powerful, rich and famous. The administration’s claim that there are no such documents, that the Epstein episode should be closed, has not cut ice. Increasingly, Trump’s supporters are questioning his links with Epstein. Several attempts at distracting from the issue, including the President sharing AI-generated videos of Barack Obama being arrested by the FBI, have not led to the matter dying down over the last several weeks.

Advertisement

A major part of Trump’s appeal has been his ability to present himself as an outsider to the deeply entrenched Washington elite. He has cynically flirted with conspiracy theories and painted political opponents as corrupt and with mala fide intentions — think “crooked Hillary” and the refusal to accept the 2020 election verdict. This kind of politics has legs in a climate where people feel disempowered by forces larger than themselves. The Epstein case is, at its core, about children being harmed — a fear that is almost primordial. Unfortunately, rather than bringing closure and justice to his many victims, the issue was used as a political weapon. As it turns out, this particular conspiracy theory is a knife that cuts both ways. Many in the MAGA camp are asking for transparency and accountability. By dismissing their concerns, Trump, the billionaire, is signalling — perhaps unwittingly — that he is one of the elites he once rallied them against.