Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It’s the story that simply won’t go away for Trump.
It’s the story that simply won’t go away for Trump.
A master of conspiracy
Donald Trump’s political ascent was deeply tied to conspiracy theories. One of his earliest and most infamous claims was the “birther” lie, suggesting President Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States.
This baseless narrative helped Trump gain national attention and solidify a base of supporters questioning the legitimacy of America’s first Black president.
From Deep State to QAnon
Over time, Trump amplified broader conspiracy narratives, including vague warnings about a “Deep State” working against everyday Americans.
He also gave subtle encouragement to QAnon — a fringe movement pushing the wild claim that a secret cabal of elite Satan-worshiping pedophiles, including Hillary Clinton, was trafficking children.
The Epstein-conspiracy that backfired
When Jeffrey Epstein fell from grace (and subsequently committed suicide in his cell), Trump was quick to jump on the “elite” conspiracy, adding fuel to the previously mentioned.
The Trump administration has even promised to reveal everything about the Estein-files, with Attorney-General Pam Bondi previously claiming she had the infamous “client list” on her desk.
But then something happened.
No list, no release
In early July, the DOJ suddenly said that there was, in fact, no incriminating client list, and the White House stepped back from the promise to reveal everything about the Epstein-files.
It’s now September, and the case is still making headlines.
Trump: “A Democrat hoax”
Trump has repeatedly described the push to release the Epstein-files as a “Democrat hoax”, even after victims of Epstein stepped forward during a press meeting last week.
The birthday note
This week, House Oversight Democrats have released the infamous “birthday note”, allegedly written by Trump to Epstein.
Once again, evidence is pointing at Trump, suggesting he wants to keep the Epstein files hidden to protect his potential relationship with the diceased financier.
Battling the MAGA base
Trump has even lashed out at his loyal supporters, calling them “stupid people” and “weaklings” because they believe in the “Democrat hoax”.
But the case still won’t go away, and that begs the question: Will the Epstein-files cost Trump the power?
Unlikely.
Reason 1: Control of Congress
Trump commands complete loyalty from his fellow Republicans, and even though some of them might break ranks, the mid-terms are drawing near.
Trump has threatened to back opponents of anyone who oppose him, and it is unlikely that a wave of Republicans seeking reelection will risk their political careers over this.
Additionally, Trump has encouraged Republican states of Gerrymandering to increase the number of Republican seats in in the House.
Reason 2: No other option for MAGA-supporters
The MAGA-base is furious about what they believe is another “deep state-cover up”, now headed by Trump.
But even if they were to punish Trump for this at the mid-terms, where would they go? The Democrats may be pushing for a release of the Epstein-files, but that may be the only Democrat policy the MAGA-base can get on board with.
That leaves only Republican candidates – and if they want to be elected, they need to be loyal to Trump.
Reason 3: Trump will never resign
In a fundraiser-email in late August, Trump wrote about his assassination attempt a year ago and said: “I believe that God saved me for one reason: TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump really seem to believe, that he is divinely chosen to save America, making it borderline impossible to even think about him leaving office before the end of his term.
Reason 4: Control of the Supreme Court
Three of the nine judges in the Supreme Court are appointed by Donald Trump. Another three judges were appointed by other Republican Presidents, making it six-to-three in Republican favour.
The Supreme Court may have ruled against Trump in some instances, but most of the cases (including the question of Trump’s immunity), ended with a win for the President.
So to sum up
The Epstein-files won’t go away, but Trump is one of the most resiliant politicians, the United States have ever seen.
Add to that the complete loyalty from his fellow Republicans, the lack of alternatives for his MAGA-base and the fact he seems convinced, he is destined to lead America back to greatness, and even a potential career-killer like this is unlikely to cost Trump his power.
