Why Trump shouldn’t try to draw parallels between his Epstein and Russian scandals

Donald Trump is trying to persuade the public on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. New polls suggest he's failing spectacularly.

Thursday, July 17, 2025 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Polls show most Americans disapprove of Team Trump's handling of Epstein controversy Polls show most Americans disapprove of Team Trump's handling of Epstein controversy Donald Trump is trying to persuade the public on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. New polls suggest he's failing spectacularly. MORE Why Trump shouldn't try to draw parallels between his Epstein and Russian scandals If Donald Trump believes the Russia scandal and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal are of equal validity, then the White House has a real problem on its hands. MORE Why Trump shouldn't try to draw parallels between his Epstein and Russian scandals If Donald Trump believes the Russia scandal and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal are of equal validity, then the White House has a real problem on its hands. MORE Trump says he was surprised that Jerome Powell, the Fed chair he appointed, was appointed Donald Trump seemed to forget that he appointed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, which was part of an unsettling pattern of cognitive missteps. MORE Trump says he was surprised that Jerome Powell, the Fed chair he appointed, was appointed Donald Trump seemed to forget that he appointed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, which was part of an unsettling pattern of cognitive missteps. MORE Stephen Miller faces pushback after weird claims about immigrant crime in Minneapolis As crime rates fall, why are Trump administration officials pretending that public safety is getting worse? Because of the twisted politics of fear. MORE Stephen Miller faces pushback after weird claims about immigrant crime in Minneapolis As crime rates fall, why are Trump administration officials pretending that public safety is getting worse? Because of the twisted politics of fear. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG TRUMP TRAIN WRECK: Wheels come off as Trump throws crash out tantrum over Epstein files 6 things to know about the GOP spending cuts package that just passed Trump nightmare: Bipartisan group grows to force Epstein files public over Trump's objections Republicans advance Fox News vet Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor in D.C. Republicans shrug off laundry list of scandals, advance Emil Bove's judicial nomination   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.   NEWS TIPS? SEND IT TO RACHEL FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER