Trump targets Obama amid renewed pressure over Epstein case

Wednesday 23 July 2025 - 08:00

As scrutiny intensifies over the Jeffrey Epstein case, former President Donald Trump has sought to deflect criticism by attacking his predecessor, Barack Obama, with accusations of treason and conspiracy. The outburst came during a press conference at the White House while hosting the president of the Philippines.

Trump responded to reporters' questions about the Justice Department’s renewed interest in questioning Ghislaine Maxwell—Epstein’s former associate convicted of sex trafficking in 2022—by distancing himself from the move, saying he was unaware and “not following it closely.” Some of his supporters, however, have criticized him for allegedly not doing enough to expose the full scope of Epstein’s network.

The former president quickly turned the spotlight on Barack Obama, branding him a “gang leader” and claiming he tried to orchestrate a coup. “That’s what you should really be talking about,” Trump told reporters, while also lashing out at the media.

A spokesperson for Obama responded in a rare statement, calling Trump’s accusations “ridiculous” and “a pathetic attempt to distract from his own scandals.”

Trump labeled the growing attention on Epstein as “just another witch hunt,” referencing his previous legal battles and ongoing criminal investigations.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump had earlier shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social that showed Obama being arrested in the Oval Office. “After what they did to me, it’s time to go after people,” he said on Tuesday.

The Epstein case resurfaced on July 7 when the government admitted it found no evidence of a rumored secret client list, sparking backlash from Trump’s MAGA base, who have long believed the elite were being protected.

In an effort to calm his supporters, the Justice Department is set to meet Maxwell in prison in the coming days. “If she has information about any criminal acts committed against victims, we will listen,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Meanwhile, a new YouGov/The Economist poll shows 56% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the Epstein issue, with only 22% expressing approval. Among Republican voters, 45% are satisfied, 30% unsure, and 25% dissatisfied.