Donald Trump called the Epstein Files a hoax on Monday. By Friday, it was the basis for a federal investigation. He’s now pushing Attorney General Pam Bondi to weaponize the documents against his political opponents. Because for the president, consistency is optional, but political utility is not.
After Trump got cornered following the release of the Epstein emails, he decided to do what he does best. On Friday, he took to Truth Social and ordered the Department of Justice to investigate the Epstein Files. But he didn’t order an investigation into his name. Instead, he pressed Bondi to prosecute all the Democratic names appearing in them. If you missed the irony, he’s opening an investigation based on very “hoax” he spent all week insisting wasn’t real.
Trump’s pivot is remarkable mostly because of how loudly he had dismissed the same documents. Just days ago, he repeatedly characterized the Epstein Files as fake, doctored, and politically motivated. Yet the moment the files implicated Democratic big names, the hoax suddenly became a federal priority. So, the truth value of evidence depends entirely on whether it harms or profits him.
In a sprawling post, he directed Bondi and “our great patriots at the FBI” to probe Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and unnamed “many others.” So, the files are fake for the part that mentions his name, but truthful enough to scrutinize his opponents? Trump’s logic is beyond saving.
This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats. Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his “Island.” Stay tuned!!!
But Bondi didn’t even think twice before responding with immediate obedience. On X, she thanked Trump and announced that SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton would lead the inquiry. She called him “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country.” She added that the Department would pursue the matter “with urgency and integrity.” But Bondi’s sudden zeal comes with its own history.
She and FBI Director Kash Patel had previously testified to Congress that they “did not uncover evidence to predicate an investigation” into uncharged third parties. Now, she’s tapping a prosecutor to pursue those same third parties. The timing of this facade is also worth noting. Rep. Thomas Massie’s bill to force the release of all Epstein documents heads for a vote next week. But an “active investigation” is the oldest mechanism in Washington for withholding records.
This makes the political meaning behind the move simple enough to decode. The investigation isn’t really about justice. Trump simply wants to control the narrative and dictate what becomes public and what remains sealed. Bondi’s move also allows the administration to claim action while ensuring the most sensitive documents stay under lock and key.
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