Re(Sorry, This Epstein Stuff Isn’t Going to Hurt Trump)

Re(Sorry, This Epstein Stuff Isn’t Going to Hurt Trump)

On July 20, Matthew Walter published an informative article titled “Sorry, This Epstein Stuff Isn’t Going to Hurt Trump.” The op-ed claimed that the conspiracy theory was just a theory, and was sure to fall into obscurity, lacking the changing power that could cause real shifts. 

While the conspiracy theory is sure to wain of attention and will not be talked about in many years, the theory has undoubtedly created cracks and built on existing ones that reveal that dark underbelly of Trump to his fans. This marks the starting of what will be a change in perspective for modern republicans, and a readjustment against the Trump agenda. 

The first crack was with Trump’s most prized legislation: the big, beautiful bill. It stripped medicare and healthcare coverage for the elderly and gave tax breaks to the wealthy. However, Trump heralded it as a bill of great change, one that will benefit all. Yet, many republicans saw through this lie. Conservative and consistent influencers online voiced concern and many Republican congressmen spoke loudly against it.

The bill ultimately passed in a narrow victory but it showed the first sights of pushback and backlash. Some congressmen like Josh Hawley spoke against the bill, yet voted for it, but this shows undeniable proof that conservatives are looking closely. 

The Epstein debacle is another, and larger crack. Hard conservatives who have backed Trump’s efforts so far, with tariffs and foreign policy, have now, for such a simple issue, faced uncertainty. Not only has there been bipartisan criticism of Trump’s lack of focus, but there has been request after request for the client list. This feeling has materialized on social media platforms where conservatives question his Intent and shun voices who support Trump’s actions. 

While it may not be an “inflection point,” it is certainly one of many concerns that reveal to republicans that Trump isn’t who he seemed to be and this might potentially cause shifts in the future. “