A Bigger Problem for Trump in the Epstein Scandal

The Paradox of Power and Conspiracy

Ezra Klein, a well-known commentator, recently opened one of his podcasts with a joke that has been circulating among conspiracy theorists. The story goes that a conspiracy theorist dies and goes to heaven. Upon arrival, God offers to answer any question the man has. “Please, I must know the answer to this one,” the man says, “who killed John F. Kennedy?” God replies instantly, “That’s easy: Lee Harvey Oswald.” Shocked, the man murmurs, “This goes higher than I had thought!”

This scenario mirrors the current situation involving Donald Trump. No matter how he tries to deflect attention from the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, it only fuels more suspicion, especially regarding their relationship.

According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, 69% of Americans, including 62% of Republicans, believe the government is hiding Epstein’s alleged client list. This belief is understandable given the numerous unanswered questions surrounding Epstein. How did he become so rich? What is in the mountains of computer files and videos recovered from his homes and properties? Why wasn’t he properly monitored after attempting suicide while in jail?

A History of Conspiracy Theories in America

Conspiracy theories have long been a part of American history. The early colonists, living as second-class citizens under the British Empire, imagined plots in London aimed at keeping them subordinate. Historian Richard Hofstadter described this as “the paranoid style in American politics” in 1964, highlighting periodic fears of Freemasons, Catholics, Jews, bankers, and communists.

Joseph McCarthy brought this style into the modern era by accusing the U.S. government of being infiltrated by traitors and spies for foreign powers. Journalist Anna Merlan expanded on this in her 2019 book, "Republic of Lies," arguing that conspiracy theories have become mainstream in recent decades. Unlike previous eras where such theorists were marginalized, they are now central figures in American political and cultural life.

Trump and the Mainstreaming of Conspiracy

Donald Trump has been a key figure in this shift, coming to power and returning to power by promoting birtherism, election fraud, and other conspiracies. He has also brought figures like Alex Jones and Kash Patel into the mainstream, who spread extreme theories and insinuations. Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser, spread the lie that Hillary Clinton was connected to child sex rings.

The challenge for Trump is that, having long fueled anti-statism and anti-elitism, he now leads the state and its elites. His administration has released thousands of files about the murders of JFK, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. However, no smoking guns were found, and the administration avoids admitting that prior administrations and elites may not have lied to the public. This creates a dilemma for maintaining credibility with their base.

The Struggle to Maintain Control

Trump, an experienced politician, knows how to handle his base. But this situation is proving difficult even for him, possibly because of his apparent relationship with Epstein. He has tried to divert attention by raising other conspiracy theories, such as claims that Obama tried to organize a coup against him. He has also revived old allegations about Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, but these efforts feel desperate.

Charlie Warzel noted in The Atlantic that on July 20, when questions about Epstein were mounting, Trump posted 33 times on Truth Social. He demanded that the Washington Commanders football team change its name back to the Redskins and shared an AI-generated video of Obama being handcuffed by the FBI in front of a smiling Trump in the Oval Office.

Kash Patel, the FBI director, recently claimed on Joe Rogan’s podcast that he found a secret vault in the FBI filled with dark secrets. This seems to suggest that there are even more conspiracy theories to keep the MAGA faithful engaged.

The Consequences of Continued Distrust

Trump's intense response to the Epstein affair is likely to deepen public distrust in institutions and politicians, leading to more online radicalization and further polarizing the political landscape. However, he is playing with fires that could burn him badly if not handled carefully.