Trump's approval rating dips below 50 percent amid MAGA backlash over Epstein files, reveals survey

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted as MAGA fans rage over Jeffrey Epstein files, a new survey by the Democracy Institute revealed.

American voters are reportedly withdrawing their support for the president following his indecisive stance on the alleged Epstein files.

Donald Trump's approval rating plummets over Epstein files

The survey shows that 50 percent of respondents disapprove of Donald Trump’s performance as president, while 48 percent approve. Another 2 percent said they were unsure.

Interestingly, Trump has backed the Department of Justice, which concluded its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s death, declaring it a suicide with no evidence of foul play.

The DOJ also stated that there is “no credible evidence” supporting the existence of a supposed “client list” of “prominent individuals” allegedly blackmailed by Epstein for visiting his island.

However, within Trump’s own base, as reflected in another poll by the Democracy Institute cited by the Daily Express, roughly 67 percent of MAGA supporters who voted for him last November expressed disapproval over his decision not to release the client list.

First-time voters in 2024 appeared especially displeased, with 71 percent disapproving of Trump’s handling of the situation.

Similarly, 60 percent of independent voters also disagreed with his choice. Among all Americans, 63 percent disapproved, a slight dip but still a clear majority.

Trump’s 2024 campaign has previously leaned on the promise of releasing the list if re-elected.

Additionally, FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino had repeatedly claimed that the list exists and that the alleged “deep state” is hiding it from the public.

Donald Trump calls Jeffrey Epstein files a hoax

On Tuesday, July 15, President Donald Trump was asked whether his name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

During a press interaction, a reporter asked Trump to comment on a reported rift between his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

"The Attorney General has handled that very well. She has really done a very good job," Trump said, adding, "I would like to see [transparency] also."

He also noted, "Credibility is very important. Then, another reporter asked, “Did [Bondi] tell you at all that your name appeared in the [Epstein] files?”

Trump responded, "No, no. She’s given us just a very quick briefing. I would say that these files were made up by Comey, they were made by Obama, they were made up by the Biden [administration]."

He accused former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden’s administration, and former FBI Director James Comey of fabricating the Epstein files, but offered no evidence to support the claim.

"We went through years of that with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax, with all of the different things that we had to go through. We’ve gone through years of it," he added.