The Justice Department’s refusal to release additional files related to deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein has created one of the biggest splits within President Trump’s MAGA base since he returned to office in January. Here’s what you need to know about the Epstein files MAGA controversy:

The MAGA base split

Two sides emerge over Epstein case handling:

The administration officials caught in middle

FBI leadership previously promoted Epstein theories:

The broken promises

Public commitments to release files were reversed:

The Republican strategist’s concern

GOP operative warns about administration handling:

Trump’s explosive reaction

President erupted at reporter asking about client list:

The broader pattern of broken promises

Epstein files represent latest in series of fissures:

The MAGA influencer backlash

Turning Point USA summit features criticism:

The Democratic response

Opposition party fans flames in MAGA world:

The White House defense

Spokesman Harrison Fields defends administration:

Trump’s social media response

President attempts to douse MAGA rebellion:

The supporter pushback

MAGA base accuses Trump of pulling rug out:

Bondi’s memo findings

Attorney General releases two-page review:

The Bongino situation

Deputy FBI Director clashes with Bondi:

Trump’s Bongino response

President addresses deputy director’s situation:

Read more:

• MAGA fissure widens over Donald Trump’s refusal to release Epstein files

This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com

The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.