Why MAGA won't let go of the Epstein files

Plus, U.S. allies weigh retaliatory tariffs after Trump announces 30% rate on E,U. and Mexico

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2025 THE LATEST Trump's Epstein files problem lacks an endgame By Hayes Brown Trump's Epstein files problem lacks an endgame By Hayes Brown President Donald Trump spent the weekend appealing to his followers to let go one of the most lurid conspiracies that he himself had helped stoke over the years. In a string of TruthSocial posts, he implored his MAGA base to stop talking about Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted child sex abuser. Trump railed against the "selfish people" among them for their attacks on Attorney General Pam Bondi and others over a topic that "nobody cares about."   As of Monday, Trump's appeals have fallen on deaf ears as the outrage over his administration's handling of the so-called Epstein files has continued to burn unabated. Ironically enough, the catalyst for this schism on the far-right was a rare example of the administration telling the truth in the face of conspiracy theories. Instead, it's blown up in their faces leaving few credible options to stem the anger at Bondi and calls to deliver a supposed "client list" that doesn't exist.   This is a preview of Hayes Brown's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES JORDAN RUBIN Supreme Court allows Education Department to proceed with mass firings The administration argued that U.S. District Judge Myong Joun overstepped when he granted a preliminary injunction in May. Read more. STEVEN MONACELLI Ken Paxton's divorce just upended a must-watch GOP Senate primary Texas' attorney general and its senior senator are fighting for President Trump's support. Read more.  HANNAH HOLLAND Lena Dunham's new Netflix show isn't 'Girls' — but it is exactly what we need right now Meg Stalter, like Dunham, feels like an outlier in a regressive Hollywood landscape. Centering her in a buzzy project like this feels refreshing, if not radical. Read more. AUSTIN SARAT Trump's DOJ often tries to deny reality. Judge Frimpong wasn't amused. U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong refused to be deceived by the administration's smoke and mirrors. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS CHRIS JANSING REPORTS U.S. allies consider retaliatory tariffs after Trump announces 30% rate on E.U. and Mexico WATCH NOW DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE Baseball coach fends off ICE agents looking to question Little League Baseball players WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS Florida lawmaker shares details on conditions inside 'Alligator Alcatraz' WATCH NOW ANA CABRERA REPORTS  Trump announces new deal to sell weapons to NATO for distribution inside Ukraine WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Nicolle Wallace is sitting down with some of the smartest, funniest, and wisest people she knows in her chart-topping podcast, "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace." This week, she speaks with music legend Jimmy Jam to share memories and lessons from his storied career. They discuss growing up alongside Prince, songwriting for Janet Jackson, and his infectious passion for music and belief in its unifying properties. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content. Sunday, MSNBC Films presents a new episode of "Leguizamo Does America," an NBC News Studios production. Host John Leguizamo is back for season 2, traveling cross-country to six new destinations and exploring the Latino traditions, cuisine, and political perspectives that form the fabric of each community. In episode 3, John visits Denver. Watch Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern on MSNBC.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE