UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just confirmed he will not recommend a special prosecutor for the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This decision comes amid rising calls for further scrutiny of Epstein’s connections and the circumstances surrounding his death in 2019.
The announcement, made on Thursday, has intensified reactions from Trump’s supporters who were expecting more transparency regarding sensitive documents related to the case. The Department of Justice’s refusal to release additional records last week has already sparked outrage, further complicating the political landscape as the investigation continues to haunt the administration.
In response to ongoing frustrations, Leavitt stated, “The president does not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case.” This statement appears to close the door on additional inquiries that might have brought new evidence to light, despite Trump previously suggesting he would consider appointing a prosecutor for credible allegations tied to Epstein.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with influential connections, died in a prison cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Despite widespread conspiracy theories surrounding his death, officials maintain he died by suicide. The tension within Trump’s base continues to grow, as many believe the administration is withholding critical information.
Earlier this week, Trump labeled critics of his handling of the Epstein records as “weak” and claimed they are being misled. He also dismissed the investigation as a “farce,” even as his own appointed leaders in the FBI and Department of Justice have perpetuated public expectations of uncovering hidden information.
The White House’s current stance reflects a strategic effort to move past this contentious issue. The Department of Justice regulations allow for the appointment of a special prosecutor when conflicts of interest are present, yet recent history has shown that such appointments can lead to significant political fallout.
Trump’s legal team previously fought against the appointment of special prosecutor Jack Smith, who was tasked with probing Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. A Trump-appointed judge ruled that Smith’s appointment exceeded the bounds of authority without Senate approval, illustrating the contentious nature of these investigations.
As tensions rise, the public awaits further developments on this high-profile case. What will happen next remains uncertain, but for now, the Trump administration is firmly resisting calls for a deeper investigation into Epstein, much to the dismay of many within his political base.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
