Bannon is part of the growing chorus of MAGA supporters who are speaking out against the DOJ and the FBI over the Epstein files.
Former White House chief strategist and longtime MAGA loyalist Steve Bannon issued a warning to Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm election over the controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Speaking on his War Room podcast, Bannon argued that a perceived cover-up surrounding the files risks alienating a significant portion of the party's base and could even cost the GOP its control of Congress in 2026, and the 2028 presidency.'The Epstein list is just the tip of the iceberg here; the real question is about who really governs us,' said Bannon. 'If this cover-up continues, 10 percent of the MAGA base will walk away. Lose them now, and we lose 40 seats in 2026 and the presidency in 2028.'Why It MattersBannon's comments come as Republican infighting intensifies over the release of the Epstein client files. In recent months, conservative activists have accused the Justice Department and the FBI of shielding influential figures linked to the disgraced financier, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019.What to KnowAttorney General Pam Bondi is facing sharp criticism from far-right influencers, Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators over her handling of the Epstein investigation.After her initial release of documents revealed nothing new, Bondi promised a 'truckload' of unreleased material. But a Justice Department memo on Monday stated that no client list exists and no further disclosures are warranted.Bannon has called on Bondi to step aside and appoint a special prosecutor, urging the Justice Department to unseal all files and resolve Judicial Watch's lawsuit seeking the records.Speaking on War Room, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna criticized the Justice Department's secrecy: 'They think Americans are too stupid to make a determination on the Epstein files for themselves. No one wants victim info leaked, but the evidence should be public.'Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec added: 'Even Epstein's own lawyer admits powerful people are being protected!'Despite the backlash, Trump defended Bondi at a Cabinet meeting this week. When a reporter raised the issue, Trump cut him off.'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years,' he said. 'I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas — it just seems like a desecration.'Why Some Believe in a Jeffrey Epstein 'Cover-Up'Despite the DOJ's findings, skepticism persists among some of Trump's supporters and critics. Far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized Bondi on social media, saying, 'If she doesn't get fired over this Epstein memo, people are going to be so black pilled,' suggesting the administration was hiding the truth.Former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk also weighed in, posting on X, formerly Twitter, 'What's the time? Oh look, it's no-one-has-been-arrested-o'clock again,' expressing frustration at the lack of prosecutions.In June, amid a public feud with Trump over domestic policy, Musk claimed without evidence that the president's name appeared in the unreleased Epstein files, alleging this was the reason for their nondisclosure.What People Are SayingConservative activist Robby Starbuck, on X: 'Pam Bondi said the Epstein client list was on her desk to review for release to the public just a few months ago. Now the DOJ she leads claims that there's no Epstein client list. Sorry but this is unacceptable. Was she lying then or is she lying now? We deserve answers.'Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, one of the best-sourced reporters on the Epstein case, reported earlier this year: 'Those who have worked with the FBI on the case for decades say there is no evidence Epstein kept a ledger or a list of clients who were involved with his sex trafficking operation.'President Donald Trump, commenting on Elon Musk's claim, told NBC News in June: 'That's called 'old news.' That's been old news. That has been talked about for years. Even Epstein's lawyer said I had nothing to do with it. It's old news.'What Happens NextThe DOJ memo said that 'no further disclosure' of records related to Epstein would be 'appropriate or warranted.'
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