The uproar in the MAGA world over the failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein client list should be a cause for serious concern for President Trump. Not because he is hiding something, but because, as the President of the United States, he should not be adding fuel to the fire of conspiracy theories by withholding the release of the files. This not only risks his own reputation but also undermines the credibility of the Republican Party.
President Trump should expect that when he promises to release files and fails to do so, there will be blowback from loyal followers who believe his every word as if it were part of the Bible. His July 16, 2025, put-down of his disappointed followers is a striking action that diminishes his base and the Republican Party, potentially leading to a loss of support in future elections. Blaming most of the past conspiracy theories and the new ‘Jeffrey Epstein Hoax’ on the Democrats is standard Trump. His base can accept it. It’s the second part of his post on Truth Social that is self-destructive. Trump writes:
“Let these weaklings [his base] continue forward and do the Democrats’ work, don’t even think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because I don’t want their support anymore!”
In the future, President Trump will likely be expected to address other conspiracy theories as facts come to light. And every time Trump cannot adequately respond to them, he will lose more of his base. He rose to prominence by promoting conspiracy theories. Still, he needs to realize that his bluster will eventually undermine his presidency if he cannot fulfill his prior promises and he continues to attack his base. He must avoid that result for the good of the nation.
Trump receives more attention than anyone in the world. So, when he peddles falsehoods, people listen and many believe what he says. They have hope, perhaps false hope, that President Trump will clean up whatever mess is part of the conspiracy theory he presents to his base. When Trump has the power to address a matter such as releasing all the Epstein files, and tells the base it is stupid for focusing on the issue, the MAGA base will begin to believe he is just a pretender to the presidency.
Trump’s difficulty is that, as President, he can do almost anything he wants. He can order the immediate release of all Epstein files or the files underlying any of the other attacks on America he has promoted. His other prominent conspiracy theories being the “Deep State” conspiracy (Shadowy network of government officials working to undermine his agenda), the QAnon Phenomenon, (Trump is the only leader capable of defeating the cabal), the 2020 election fraud allegations, (the 2020 election was stolen), and evidence was planted at Mar-a-Lago for the FBI to find for indicting him). These are just the tip of the list of conspiracy theories. Wikipedia identifies fifty-four conspiracy theories that Trump promoted.
While most of the conspiracy theories are unlikely to reappear, a few may reappear, such as the House Select Committee on the January 6 attack has deleted and destroyed all its evidence; that James Comey was calling for the assassination of the President with his 86 47 Post; the assassination of JFK files will be released; and our science is corrupt, i.e. vaccines cause autism. The President needs to respond with facts, not another berating of his supporters.
The claim that will most harm Trump and the Republicans at the next election is that his administration will round up and deport the “millions and millions” of illegal aliens with criminal records. Every study conducted in the last forty years finds “Those millions don’t exist.” Out of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the US, ICE is currently detaining 277 illegal immigrants who have been convicted of murder. Moreover, federal authorities are aware of, but not detaining, 13,099 illegal immigrants living in the US who have been convicted of homicide, 523 convicted or suspected rapists, 20,061 in ICE custody for assault, and around 100,000 more for assault but not in ICE custody. ICE data shows 72% of those it detains have no criminal record. These numbers are significant, but far from millions and millions. While President Trump must continue to deport illegal aliens with criminal records, he needs to implement his policies using the correct facts if he is to maintain support from the American people.
President Trump’s policies are undeniably popular. He needs to focus his time and energy on implementing his popular policies, rather than promoting conspiracy theories or demeaning supporters who are simply hoping he will fulfill his campaign promises.
William L. Kovacs, author of Devolution of Power: Rolling Back the Federal State to Preserve the Republic. It received five stars from Readers’ Favorite. His previous book, Reform the Kakistocracy, received the 2021 Independent Press Award for Political/Social Change. He served as senior vice president for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and chief counsel to a congressional committee. He can be contacted at wlk@ReformTheKakistocracy.com
