President Donald Trump’s try and spin the continued Jeffrey Epstein scandal as no large deal and never an issue for him and his get together has turned out to be an enormous failure, in line with a just lately launched Economist/YouGov ballot.
The ballot, performed July 25-28, finds that a robust majority of Individuals assume the federal government is overlaying up proof concerning the accused intercourse trafficker, and practically half consider Trump was concerned in crimes along with his outdated buddy.
Forty-six % of Individuals consider Trump was “involved in crimes allegedly committed by Jeffrey Epstein.” That conclusion has sturdy assist amongst Democrats (80%) and independents (47%), however it even has double-digit assist—11%—amongst Republicans.
Jeffrey Epstein, proven in a 2017 photograph offered by the New York State Intercourse Offender Registry.
Epstein was accused of sex-trafficking underage ladies earlier than his loss of life in jail in 2019. The Trump administration is refusing to launch authorities information on Epstein, together with a rumored consumer record that would implicate others in crimes.
The ballot exhibits that this can be a very unpopular place. Eighty-two % of Individuals, together with 76% of Republicans, say the information ought to be launched. Worse for Trump, 67% assume a authorities cover-up is underway. That features a plurality of Republicans (46%) within the ballot. On high of that, most Individuals (61%) disapprove of Trump’s dealing with of the case.
When he’s not complaining concerning the story present, Trump has pushed the false narrative that Epstein-related tales have boosted his reputation. This can be a blatant lie. The Economist/YouGov ballot echoes different opinion polling displaying the general public doesn’t belief Trump on the problem and charges his dealing with as poor.
Regardless of this public flailing and dangerous polling, mainstream shops just like the Washington Put up have continued to hold water for the administration. On Wednesday, the Put up—owned by Trump ally Jeff Bezos—ran a narrative headlined “As MAGA storm over Epstein calms, White House plans next steps.” However this story is way from over.