Public Trust Eroding: Poll Reveals Americans Doubt Trump's Transparency in Epstein Case Despite Rising Republican Support

Most Americans believe President Trump's administration is concealing information regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

Washington:

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, Americans harbor significant doubts about President Donald Trump's management of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, although support among his core Republican base—who have long been interested in the case—appears to be strengthening.

The poll, concluded Monday, reveals that a majority of Americans suspect Trump's administration of withholding information about the deceased sex offender, including details surrounding his 2019 death and his connections to influential individuals. Most respondents also question Trump's assertion that he was unaware of Epstein's alleged trafficking of teenage girls during their friendship years ago.

Only 23% of Americans express approval of Trump's handling of the ongoing scandal, while 52% disapprove.

Nevertheless, the poll indicates Trump is making progress in alleviating concerns among his supporters: 53% of Republicans now approve of his management of the issue, up from 44% in the previous month. This figure remains considerably below the 85% overall approval rating Trump enjoys among Republicans.

This shift could prove significant. Before his return to the White House this year, Trump promoted conspiracy theories about Epstein, and prominent supporters have accused his administration of engaging in a cover-up.

Last month, Republicans and Democrats in Congress united against Trump's position, passing legislation requiring the Justice Department to release documents from its extensive investigation into Epstein by December 19.

The online survey of 4,434 U.S. adults, conducted between December 3 and December 8, found persistent suspicion regarding the government's involvement.

Approximately 62% of those polled, including 56% of Republicans, believe the government is concealing information about Epstein's death, which was officially ruled a suicide at a Manhattan jail in 2019 while he faced federal sex trafficking charges.

An even greater percentage—70%—believe the government is withholding information about individuals who may have participated in the late financier's alleged sex trafficking of teenage girls, including 62% of Republicans.

Only 18% of respondents consider it likely that Trump was unaware of Epstein's alleged crimes before they became public knowledge. Among Republicans, this figure rises to 34%.

Trump has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein's activities and claims he ended their friendship before Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution.