Washington, D.C. – Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon issued a dire warning to Republicans on his War Room podcast on July 10, 2025, cautioning that the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files could fracture the MAGA base and jeopardize the party’s control of Congress in the 2026 midterms and the presidency in 2028.
As conservative activists and lawmakers amplify accusations of a Justice Department cover-up, Attorney General Pam Bondi faces intense scrutiny for failing to deliver promised disclosures, raising tensions within the Trump administration and its supporters.
Dire Prediction for the GOP
Bannon framed the Epstein files as a critical issue for the Republican base, arguing that perceived secrecy risks alienating 10% of MAGA voters.
“The Epstein list is just the tip of the iceberg; the real question is who really governs us,” he said. “If this cover-up continues, we lose 40 seats in 2026 and the presidency in 2028.” His warning shows the growing rift within the GOP, as frustration over the Epstein case fuels distrust in the administration’s transparency.
The controversy intensified after a July 7, 2025, Justice Department memo stated that no “client list” exists and no further Epstein disclosures are warranted, contradicting Bondi’s earlier promise of a “truckload” of new material.
The announcement has sparked outrage among conservative influencers, who accuse Bondi and the DOJ of shielding powerful figures linked to Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019.
Attorney General Pam Bondi Under Fire
Bondi, a longtime Trump ally, has become a lightning rod for criticism. Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted on X, “If she doesn’t get fired over this Epstein memo, people are going to be so black pilled,” suggesting a cover-up.
Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec echoed the sentiment, citing Epstein’s lawyer to claim “powerful people are being protected.” Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna criticized the DOJ’s secrecy, stating, “They think Americans are too stupid to make a determination on the Epstein files for themselves.”
The backlash traces back to February 2025, when Bondi invited influencers to the White House to review binders labeled “Phase 1” and “Declassified,” which contained largely public information.
The move, seen as a publicity stunt, fueled accusations of incompetence or deliberate deception. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck questioned Bondi’s credibility on X: “She said the Epstein client list was on her desk a few months ago. Now the DOJ claims there’s no list. Was she lying then or is she lying now?”
Trump’s Defense and Mixed Signals
At a July 8, 2025, Cabinet meeting, Trump defended Bondi but expressed frustration when a reporter raised the Epstein issue.
“This guy’s been talked about for years,” Trump said, calling the question a “desecration” amid discussions of a Texas tragedy. His defense of Bondi contrasts with his omission of her in a social media post praising other loyalists, fueling speculation about her standing.
Trump’s history of dismissing attorneys general, as with Jeff Sessions in 2018, adds uncertainty to Bondi’s future.
The controversy has also drawn attention from unexpected quarters. Former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk posted on X, “What’s the time? Oh look, it’s no-one-has-been-arrested-o’clock again,” expressing frustration over the lack of prosecutions.
In June, Musk claimed without evidence that Trump’s name appeared in the unreleased files, a charge Trump dismissed as “old news,” citing Epstein’s lawyer’s denial of his involvement.
MORE STORIES:
- MAGA Hardliners Feel Screwed by Trump’s Shift on Migrant Farm Workers
- Calls to Fire Attorney General Pam Bondi Intensify
- Clinic in District Trump Won by Over 50 Points Shuts Down
More Skepticism
Skepticism about a cover-up persists, despite Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, a leading Epstein investigator, reporting that FBI sources found no evidence of a client list in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
The DOJ’s July 7 memo reiterated that further disclosures are unwarranted, citing concerns about victim privacy and the nature of unreleased materials, which Bondi previously described as including child pornography.
On X, the debate rages on. “The DOJ is hiding the truth to protect the elite,” one user posted, while another countered, “There’s no list—people are chasing conspiracies instead of facts.” The polarized reactions reflect broader distrust in institutions, amplified by the administration’s other controversies, from Medicaid cuts to birthright citizenship disputes.
What’s Next for the GOP and Bondi
Bannon’s call for a special prosecutor and the unsealing of all Epstein files aligns with Judicial Watch’s ongoing lawsuit for the records, which could keep the issue alive.
The controversy risks deepening GOP divisions, particularly as moderates like Rep. Don Bacon criticize administration figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. If MAGA voters disengage, as Bannon warns, the 2026 midterms could see significant losses, reshaping the party’s trajectory.
For Bondi, the pressure is mounting. Trump’s continued support may shield her temporarily, but sustained backlash from his base could force a reckoning.
The Epstein saga, with its mix of conspiracy theories and legitimate demands for transparency, remains a volatile issue that could define the administration’s credibility as it struggles through a contentious second term.
Discover more from Local Stories
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.