Joe Rogan’s relentless focus on Jeffrey Epstein continues to stir controversy and deepen President Donald Trump’s political troubles, revealing cracks within Trump’s usual circle of staunch media supporters.
The famed podcaster’s recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience — the most popular podcast in the United States — mentioned Epstein’s name over 40 times, underscoring how the Epstein saga refuses to fade away.
Rogan, who notably endorsed Trump just before last fall’s election, did not hold back in his criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of Epstein-related matters. He called the government’s refusal to release more information a “line in the sand,” accusing officials of trying to “gaslight” the public with incomplete and suspicious narratives.
Referring to his recent interview with FBI Director Kash Patel, Rogan questioned the credibility of Patel’s explanations regarding Epstein’s death, especially highlighting the release of a prison video marred by a crucial missing minute. “Like, do you think we’re babies? Like, what is this?” Rogan asked.
Joining Rogan on the episode, former CIA officer Mike Baker echoed calls for transparency, insisting the government should “release everything.” Baker criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s vague hints about forthcoming Epstein revelations, only to later retract them, calling it “throwing red meat to the mob.”
“The mob wants to eat,” Baker said, “and they’ve been throwing red meat to the mob about ‘Epstein files’ now for years.” Rogan added, “It’s part of how they got elected,” pointing to the political capital gained by leveraging Epstein-related controversies.
Baker further observed that this outrage crosses party lines, noting that Democratic leaders have also accused Trump of a coverup, making the “mob oddly bipartisan.”
The episode taps into enduring conspiracy theories about Epstein’s crimes and his network of accomplices, amplified for years by right-leaning media figures. CNN’s Fareed Zakaria recently noted that Patel claimed to have uncovered a secret FBI vault filled with “dark secrets,” suggesting a new wave of conspiracy theories for the MAGA base.
Meanwhile, Patel’s deputy Dan Bongino fueled speculation by tweeting about FBI investigations that have “shocked me down to my core,” leaving many to wonder if yet another Epstein-style mystery is being teased without substance.
Critics warn this cycle of “dangling” revelations breeds suspicion and cynicism. AEI senior fellow Robert Pondiscio cautioned, “Either tell people what has ‘shocked you to your core’ or hold your tongue until you can. Anything else breeds suspicion, mistrust, and cynicism.”
As the Epstein controversy continues to dog the Trump administration, Rogan’s pointed critiques highlight an unraveling narrative that threatens to persist long after the headlines fade.
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