Summary of "Trump’s Top Aides Spread the Epstein Conspiracy. Now They Are Trying to Kill It"

The Daily
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, and Natalie Kitroeff

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Daily titled "Trump’s Top Aides Spread the Epstein Conspiracy. Now They Are Trying to Kill It," host Michael Barbaro delves into the intricate web of conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and their entanglement with the highest echelons of the Trump administration. Co-host Glenn Thrush provides an in-depth analysis of how these theories, once leveraged for political gain, have now become liabilities for key Trump officials.

Background: Jeffrey Epstein's Death and Emerging Conspiracies

The saga begins with the mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein in his jail cell in July 2019. Official reports from the medical examiner, the Bureau of Prisons, and the Department of Justice unanimously concluded that Epstein died by suicide. However, Epstein's extensive connections to influential figures—such as Bill Clinton, members of the British royal family, and Bill Gates—fuels widespread skepticism and conspiracy theories about potential foul play and hidden client lists.

Glenn Thrush [02:53]: "There was no client list of shadowy Jeffrey Epstein clients that conspired to murder him."

Trump Administration's Embrace of the Epstein Conspiracy

Contrary to expectations, elements within the Trump administration, particularly Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Dan Bongino, initially promoted the conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's death. They posited that there was a vast, interconnected network of powerful individuals protecting their interests by covering up Epstein's activities.

Glenn Thrush [05:15]: "It fed into the emotional force of the Trump coalition that they were overturning a corrupt establishment."

Key Figures: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino

Kash Patel and Dan Bongino emerged as vocal proponents of the Epstein conspiracy. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and podcast host, frequently questioned the official narrative, suggesting that significant undisclosed information existed.

Dan Bongino [08:16]: "What the hell are they hiding with Jeffrey Epstein? ... Let us know who the pedophiles are."

Patel went further by specifically naming influential individuals like Bill Gates, alleging their involvement in obstructing the disclosure of Epstein's client list.

Integration into the 2024 Campaign and Bolstering the Trump Base

As the 2024 election approached, the Epstein conspiracy became integral to consolidating Trump's far-right support base. The looming presence of such theories provided a rallying point, reinforcing the narrative that a corrupt "deep state" was undermining Trump and his allies.

Glenn Thrush [07:48]: "The theory is that such a list exists and it's really the holy grail of the Epstein conspiracy."

The Presentation and Disappointment of the Epstein Files

In a pivotal moment, Attorney General Pam Bondi promised access to the elusive Epstein client list. She distributed thick white binders labeled "The Epstein Files" to key MAGA influencers, sparking hope that the definitive evidence of the conspiracy was finally available.

Tracy Mumford [11:36]: "I just met with Attorney General Pam Bondi."

However, upon reviewing the binders, it became evident that the contents were largely procedural, heavily redacted, and offered no new revelations. This led to widespread disappointment and backlash against Bondi for overpromising and underdelivering.

Glenn Thrush [13:45]: "Not much. It was a big dud."

Blaming the FBI and DOJ Amidst Procedural Setbacks

Following the disappointing reveal, Bondi and Patel shifted blame towards the FBI and other prosecutorial offices, alleging that these institutions were intentionally withholding crucial information to protect their allies. This tactic aimed to sustain the momentum of the conspiracy theories despite the lack of tangible evidence.

Tracy Mumford [14:28]: "The FBI, they're reviewing. There are tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children."

The Administration's Shift to Deny the Conspiracy

As mounting pressure and the inability to produce the anticipated evidence persisted, the administration officially distanced itself from the conspiracy theories. A memo released by the White House declared that there was no evidence supporting the Epstein conspiracy, signaling a strategic retreat to preserve institutional integrity.

Glenn Thrush [17:31]: "The word from the top now is that the Epstein case is closed and people need to move on."

President Trump's public stance mirrored this shift, expressing frustration over the continued focus on Epstein and signaling a desire to prioritize other political issues.

President Trump [18:28]: "Why is anyone still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?"

Consequences for Bondi, Patel, and Bongino

The abrupt reversal had significant repercussions for the key figures who had championed the conspiracy theories. Bondi, Patel, and Bongino found themselves at odds with the very movement that had elevated them, leading to diminished influence and credibility within the MAGA base.

Glenn Thrush [19:25]: "They have the responsibility for running the institution, even an institution that they've attacked and have claimed as corrupt."

This situation underscores the peril of insider officials who advocate for conspiracy theories—their positions become untenable when confronted with institutional realities that contradict their previously held beliefs.

Conclusion: The Rise and Fall of a Conspiracy Within the Trump Administration

The episode highlights a fascinating paradox where officials like Bondi, Patel, and Bongino, who once leveraged conspiracy theories to gain political capital, ultimately found themselves undermined by the very narratives they propagated. The Epstein conspiracy, once a robust tool for rallying support and delegitimizing federal institutions, became a liability when the promised evidence failed to materialize, forcing a strategic retreat by the administration.

Glenn Thrush [20:17]: "On one hand, they may have done the right thing institutionally, they may have ultimately stood on the path of truth here, but they've weakened their own position in the movement that elevated them."

This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility and risks inherent in politicizing unverified conspiracy theories, especially when those theories become foundational to maintaining a political base.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Glenn Thrush [02:53]: "There was no client list of shadowy Jeffrey Epstein clients that conspired to murder him."

• Glenn Thrush [05:15]: "It fed into the emotional force of the Trump coalition that they were overturning a corrupt establishment."

• Dan Bongino [08:16]: "What the hell are they hiding with Jeffrey Epstein? ... Let us know who the pedophiles are."

• Tracy Mumford [11:36]: "I just met with Attorney General Pam Bondi."

• Glenn Thrush [13:45]: "Not much. It was a big dud."

• Tracy Mumford [14:28]: "The FBI, they're reviewing. There are tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children."

• Glenn Thrush [17:31]: "The word from the top now is that the Epstein case is closed and people need to move on."

• President Trump [18:28]: "Why is anyone still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?"

• Glenn Thrush [19:25]: "They have the responsibility for running the institution, even an institution that they've attacked and have claimed as corrupt."

• Glenn Thrush [20:17]: "On one hand, they may have done the right thing institutionally, they may have ultimately stood on the path of truth here, but they've weakened their own position in the movement that elevated them."

This summary encapsulates the critical elements of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened while retaining the depth and nuance of the original discussion.