Fact Check: Did Eminem call for Donald Trump's imprisonment over Epstein files?
WASHINGTON, DC: A viral social media rumor has claimed that rapper Eminem blasted President Donald Trump after the release of unredacted files linked to Jeffrey Epstein and called for the president's imprisonment. The alleged quote quickly spread across X and Facebook, drawing tens of thousands of views and reactions.
The claim emerged after a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to release unredacted Epstein-related files or explain why the documents should remain sealed. But did Eminem actually make the viral statement? Here's what we found.
Claim: Eminem called for Donald Trump's imprisonment over Epstein files
According to the viral rumor, Eminem criticized Trump over the appearance of the president's name in the Epstein files and called for him to be imprisoned.
"The recently released Epstein files are horrific. This man should be in prison, not the White House," the rapper allegedly said.
The claim spread widely across X and Facebook, where it amassed tens of thousands of views. While many users praised the rapper and echoed the alleged sentiment, others questioned the authenticity of the quote.
Fact Check: Eminem made no such remarks
The claim is false. There are no credible reports indicating that Eminem made any statement calling for President Trump's imprisonment over the Epstein files.
A Google search of the alleged quote produced no reports from reputable news or entertainment outlets. Had the rapper made such a high-profile public statement, it would almost certainly have been widely covered by major media organizations.
Because there is no evidence supporting the claim, it is rated false.
A fact check by Grok also concluded that the quote was fabricated, stating, "Eminem did not make this statement about the Epstein files or 'this man' in the White House. The post is fabricated viral content."
The fact check further noted, "While there have been new court-ordered Epstein file releases and underactions in June 2026 under the Transparency Act, and Eminem's name appeared earlier from unverified anonymous tips (like several other celebrities), no credible evidence links him to this specific quote or new incriminating details."
Judge orders Justice Department to release unredacted Epstein files
The rumor surfaced after a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several Epstein-related files by July 2 or explain why the documents cannot be disclosed.
District Judge Emmet Sullivan issued the order on Thursday in a lawsuit accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting key documents released under a federal law.
The lawsuit was filed in April by independent journalist and legal commentator Katie Phang, who argued that the department's extensive redactions violate the federal law requiring the public release of the controversial files.
