Time was when Americans had to venture to movie theatres to watch their summer blockbusters. This year actually marks the 50th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg epic Jaws, the smash hit that created this seasonal genre.

Now, though, it is Washington rather than the waters off Amity Island that produces the most compelling drama. It can be watched from the comfort of your sofa by flicking between the cable news channels and by taking occasional glances at Donald Trump’s own media outlet, Truth Social, which regularly produces the most outlandish plot developments.

In 1975, it was a man-eating great white giant that lurked in the deep. In 2025, for President Trump, it is his old friend and party pal, the convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, who haunts him from the grave. Trump, who usually revels in being the executive producer of his own presidency, has lost control of the storyline. Though his tenure is not in peril, you can almost hear John Williams’ anxiety-inducing soundtrack in the background.

Donald Trump and his future wife, Melania, with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000.Credit: Getty Images

The head of the MAGA movement is trying to subdue the biggest revolt yet from his MAGA base. A billionaire whose political rise was fuelled by popularising a racist conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the USA now looks to many of his supporters like the conspirator. The self-proclaimed slayer of the deep state stands accused of becoming its mouthpiece. The exposer has become the suppressor.

Trump is flailing. Little over a week ago, The Wall Street Journal reported........

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