President Trump’s criticism of whom he called “weaklings” and “foolish Republicans” focused on the Jeffrey Epstein case is putting him on a collision course with many members of his MAGA base.

The president this week has grown increasingly frustrated with all the attention on documents connected to Epstein, the disgraced financier and sex predator.

But his calls for others to move on have put him at odds with a number of staunch allies who have pressed for the government to share more information about the Epstein case or appoint a special prosecutor to review the matter.

Trump's allies have been divided at times over policy, including last month’s operation to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. But the Epstein issue is setting up to be a bigger test for Trump's political coalition, because the president himself is admonishing some of his supporters.

“This is not a kitchen table issue in the 2026 midterms,” said one Trump ally. “Within the MAGA base it is certainly an issue.”

Trump’s tone toward the Epstein case has shifted in recent days from mild annoyance to outright aggravation, some of it targeting supporters who have continued to beat the drum seeking more information.

He has started calling the Epstein case a “hoax” and suggested it was a controversy started by Democrats, even though Epstein was arrested and died in jail in 2019, during Trump’s first term.

“Some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net, and so they try and do the Democrats’ work,” Trump said Wednesday.

“I call it the 'Epstein hoax.' Takes a lot of time and effort. Instead of talking about the great achievements we’ve had …........

© The Hill