Amid growing public pressure and frustration from his base, President Donald Trump has announced that he will not recommend the appointment of a special prosecutor in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Epstein, the disgraced financier accused of sex-trafficking minors, died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody. The renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to high-profile figures has sparked demands for transparency—demands that Trump now appears unwilling to meet through additional legal measures.
White House Confirms No Special Prosecutor
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration’s position.
“The president would not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case. That’s how he feels,” she told reporters.
Leavitt added that President Trump had already instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department to conduct an “exhaustive review of all files.” She dismissed the calls for deeper inquiry as politically motivated and criticized Democrats for failing to act during their own time in office.
Epstein’s Death and Legal History
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex-trafficking minors. He pleaded not guilty but died by suicide in jail before trial. His death led to the dismissal of the case and has since fueled widespread speculation and conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals.
Reversal on Document Release Sparks Backlash
Public attention was reignited last week when the Trump administration reversed a prior commitment to release documents related to Epstein and his alleged associates. Many of Trump’s supporters expressed outrage over the reversal, believing the documents would expose corruption and abuse among the elite.
Trump Responds to Criticism From His Base
Reacting to criticism from within his own supporter base, President Trump lashed out on Truth Social:
“Let these weaklings 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!”
Later, speaking to reporters, Trump gave Attorney General Pam Bondi discretionary authority over any forthcoming information.
“Whatever’s credible, she can release. I think it’s good,” he stated, signaling a limited willingness to disclose information based on DOJ discretion.
Conclusion:
President Trump’s decision to block the appointment of a special prosecutor in the Epstein case underscores a broader attempt to control the narrative amid renewed public scrutiny. While the Justice Department’s internal review continues, many Americans remain unconvinced that full transparency will be achieved without independent oversight.