MAGA rages over Epstein files. But they’re not angry at Donald Trump

Saturday afternoon, Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old golf course ranger and painter, left his home in North Carolina and began the 10-hour trek south to reach the president. Donald TrumpMar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Early Sunday morning, Martin reportedly entered Mar-a-Lago With a rifle and a fuel can. He was then shot and killed by Secret Service agents and officers from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Martin was, According to friendsan outspoken supporter of Trump. His cousin He told the Associated Press“We’re all big Trump supporters” — though they added that Martin rarely discusses politics.

Law enforcement has not speculated on Martin’s motives, but a few days before the incident, Martin reportedly texted a co-worker: “I don’t know if you’ve read about the Epstein files, but the evil is real and unmistakable,” according to For texts obtained by TMZ. “The best thing you and I can do is use what little influence we have. Tell others about what you’re hearing about the Epstein files and what the government is doing about it. Raise awareness.”

His former colleagues told TMZ that Martin became focused on Epstein case after Epstein case The Department of Justice issued more than 3 million documents And photos related to Jeffrey Epstein last month. They said Martin believed there was a cover-up and that powerful people were “getting away with it.”

While Martin’s actions were uniquely extreme, there is widespread and simmering anger among Trump’s MAGA base over the government’s tepid response to the Epstein document. Right-wing influencers, media figures, and even politicians are focusing this anger not on Trump, but on other government leaders like Attorney General Pam Bondi, former advisor Steve Bannon, and FBI Director Kash Patel.

On X and pro-Trump message boards in recent days, Trump supporters have criticized Patel for failing to fulfill his promise to hold accountable people named in the Epstein files.

“There has arguably been no point in history where the FBI Director has had more to do than now, and yet the American people see no results, just someone partying where they shouldn’t be,” one person wrote in response to Patel’s post on X. Celebrating with the US Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team.

“I agree with the criticism,” a member of a pro-Trump message board known as “Donald” wrote in response to a post about people criticizing Patel. “In the game of justice, he could not score a single point, and Epstein was not arrested… He is scum.”

In another thread discussing a report on Epstein, a member of The Donald wrote: “Meanwhile, Cash is in Italy getting drunk.”

While much of the right-wing media ecosystem that relies on Trump’s benevolence for survival has almost completely distanced itself from critical coverage of the Epstein files, prominent far-right figures have continued to criticize the administration, though stopping short of directly attacking Trump.

“The Trump administration engaged in a failed cover-up of the Epstein files.” White nationalist nick fuentes live stream “Pam Bondi should be impeached,” he said recently on his show, adding: “Pam Bondi should be impeached.”

The arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the man formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, have only increased pressure on Patel and Bondi. They both are going Investigation in the UK on suspicion of “misconduct in public office” in relation to their ties to Epstein.

“The UK has officially done more to prosecute Epstein’s crimes than our government. This is shameful.” Nancy MaysRepublican congresswoman from South Carolina, Written on X.