Tucker Carlson says Trump isn't hiding Epstein ties, claims US-Israeli intel services 'being protected'

Tucker Carlson claimed that US and Israeli intel agencies are behind Jeffrey Epstein cover-up, not Donald Trump, amid MAGA backlash over client list
UPDATED JUL 9, 2025
Tucker Carlson claimed Donald Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein reversal is to protect intel agencies, not himself (Getty Images, Screenshot/@TuckerCarlson)
Tucker Carlson claimed Donald Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein reversal is to protect intel agencies, not himself (Getty Images, Screenshot/@TuckerCarlson)

WASHINGTON, DC: Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has accused the Donald Trump administration of orchestrating a cover-up involving files related to Jeffrey Epstein, alleging that the move is intended to protect US and Israeli intelligence services rather than shield the president himself.

Carlson’s explosive claims come amid backlash from MAGA supporters who had expected President Donald Trump to fulfill his campaign promise of releasing the long-rumored “client list” and other secrets surrounding Epstein’s death and criminal network. 

Tucker Carlson (Getty Images)
Tucker Carlson’s explosive claims come amid MAGA backlash over Trump’s failure to release the long-promised Epstein 'client list' and related files (Getty Images)

Tucker Carlson claims Jeffrey Epstein secrecy meant to protect US and Israeli intel

On his podcast, Tucker Carlson dismissed the idea that President Donald Trump was protecting himself, instead pointing to darker forces at work.

“I don't think he's that guy, actually,” Carlson said of Trump. “I don't think he likes creepy s*x stuff.” 

(Screenshot / @TuckerCarlson)
On his podcast, Tucker Carlson pushed back on the idea that Donald Trump was protecting himself, instead pointing to deeper forces at play (Screenshot/@TuckerCarlson)

He continued, “The only other explanation that I can think of is that intel services are at the very center of this story, US and Israeli, and they're being protected. I think that seems like the most obvious.”

Carlson’s guest, 'Breaking Points' host Saagar Enjeti, agreed. He referenced a 2021 BuzzFeed News report claiming federal prosecutors had declined to pursue pedophilia cases involving CIA employees in order to avoid exposing intelligence methods.

Carlson’s guest, Sagaar Enjeti, cited a 2021 report alleging prosecutors avoided pursuing CIA abuse cases to protect classified methods (Screenshot /
Tucker Carlson’s guest, Sagaar Enjeti, cited a 2021 report alleging prosecutors avoided pursuing CIA abuse cases to protect classified methods (Screenshot/@TuckerCarlson)

“There have been multiple documented cases of pedophilia inside of the CIA perpetrated by CIA officers,” Enjeti said, alleging the agency made such cases “go away” to avoid courtroom disclosures.

Pam Bondi clarifies there is no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list' amid mounting public pressure

Tucker Carlson’s remarks followed a major reversal by Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this week. Bondi declared there was “no client list” in the Epstein files and reiterated that the disgraced financier’s 2019 death was ruled a suicide.

U.S. President Donald Trump joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi delivers remarks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. This is Trump's third cabinet meeting of his second term, and it focused on spending cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
 Donald Trump joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi delivers remarks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. This is Trump's third cabinet meeting of his second term, and it focused on spending cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Her clarification came after earlier comments in which she referenced having Epstein-related files on her desk, fueling public anticipation.

She now claims she was referring to paperwork, not a definitive list of clients, and explained that much of the material cannot be released due to explicit and illegal content involving minors, which is strictly prohibited from public dissemination under federal law.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) walks with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (L) during a visit to the Justice Department March 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. As he has used the department to punish enemies, Trump is expected to deliver what the White House calls a law-and-order speech and outline steps he will take to counter “weaponization” of the department. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump walks with US Attorney General Pam Bondi during a visit to the Justice Department March 14, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Donald Trump snaps over Jeffrey Epstein question, Pam Bondi faces resignation calls

Donald Trump’s base erupted in anger at the administration’s walk-back, particularly after years of rhetoric teasing bombshell revelations. Elon Musk added fuel to the fire by claiming Trump ally Steve Bannon was implicated in the files and alleging Trump himself might be the real reason for their suppression.

US President Trump Reacts To Musk’s Apology After Public Feud, Exchange Of Tweets (Getty Images)
President Trump reacts to Elon Musk’s apology after public feud, exchange of tweets (Getty Images)

Asked about the controversy during a cabinet meeting this week, Trump lashed out at a reporter, calling the question about Epstein “a desecration” in light of the deadly Texas floods.

“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” Trump snapped. “This guy’s been talked about for years.” He added, “It just seems like a desecration,” before allowing Pam Bondi to respond.

As frustration mounts among Trump’s core supporters, Bondi has faced growing pressure to resign.

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