Trump Says 'Credible' Epstein Information Should Be Released

US President softens stance amid most serious split yet among right-wing base

- 

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on July 15 that the Justice Department should release all "credible" information from its probe into notorious sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, as he sought to douse a firestorm of criticism from his supporters over his handling of the case.

Mr. Trump is facing the most serious split of his political career among his famously loyal right-wing base over suspicions that his administration is covering up lurid details of Epstein's crimes to protect rich and powerful figures they say are implicated.

"The attorney-general has handled that very well," the Republican leader said of Ms. Pam Bondi, who leads the Justice Department, when he was asked about the case at the White House.

Mr. Trump repeated his claim that the Epstein files were "made up" by his Democratic predecessors in the White House, even though he said multiple times during the election campaign that he would "probably" release them.

"She has handled it very well, and it is going to be up to her," Mr. Trump said. "Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release."