FBI Director Kash Patel ignited a storm of outrage from MAGA loyalists on Saturday after declaring, “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true,” a statement widely interpreted as referencing long-running speculation surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged connections to powerful figures.
Patel’s comments followed the FBI’s recent release of evidence supporting the conclusion that Epstein died by suicide in 2019, contradicting persistent claims that he was murdered to silence him. Additionally, the bureau asserted that the much-rumored “client list” of high-profile associates tied to Epstein’s sex trafficking ring does not exist.
“The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been,” Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s an honor to serve the President of the United States, Trump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.” That statement, however, was met with fierce blowback from many within Trump’s own base.
Former Republican strategist Cheri Jacobus slammed Patel, writing, “Because you’re a disgusting piece of crap, a traitor, liar, criminal, and horrible person. Likely severely mentally ill, to boot.” Political analyst Rachel Bitecofer added, “You would think this would be the rock that shatters the MAGA glass house,” continuing, “They lied to you to get rich. None of it was ever true.”
Others on the right were no less critical. Conservative commentator Brigitte Gabriel challenged Patel directly, demanding, “Be specific about which conspiracy theories are not true. Did Jeffrey Epstein act alone?” The libertarian-leaning account Paulist Republican accused Patel of betrayal: “You don’t get to pat yourself on the back while the most powerful pedophile ring in modern history stays buried under your watch.”
The account continued, “Trump said he’d expose the swamp; instead, we got silence, sealed files, and political theater. You’re not serving justice or the people, you’re serving a PR script.” Their message to Patel was pointed: “If there’s nothing to hide, release the Epstein client list. Until then, spare us the ‘conspiracy theory’ lines.
You have power. You have the chance. And you chose to protect them. That’s on you.” The controversy highlights the deep divide within Trump’s own movement over Epstein-related theories and the persistent distrust of official narratives, even from those still serving in Trump’s second-term administration.