Two-Thirds of Americans, Including Over Half of Republicans, Believe Trump Administration Concealing Epstein Death Information

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Friday reveals that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults, including more than half of Republicans, believe the Trump administration is withholding information about the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The survey, conducted with 4,434 U.S. adults between December 3 and 8, found 62% of respondents claim the government is hiding details regarding Epstein’s demise. This stance was held by 56% of Republican voters.

Epstein died in August 2019 while detained under federal custody awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges; his death was officially ruled a suicide. The poll also indicated that 70% of respondents believe the government is concealing information about individuals involved in Epstein’s trafficking of teenage girls, with 62% of Republicans sharing this view.

Investigative files related to Epstein have become a focal point for President Donald Trump’s base, drawing criticism within the MAGA movement over perceived lack of transparency from the administration. Bipartisan legislation mandating the release of Epstein-related records was signed into law by President Trump on November 19. This act grants the Justice Department 30 days to disclose its investigations into Epstein.

Since the law’s enactment, federal courts in Florida and New York have ordered the unsealing of grand jury transcripts and related materials previously protected under secrecy rules. The Department of Justice anticipates additional disclosures by December 19, though some records may be partially redacted for privacy compliance.

The poll showed disapproval among Trump’s base over the administration’s handling of these files has declined, even as federal government skepticism remains elevated. Only 23% of respondents approved of Trump’s management of the scandal, while more than half (53%) of Republicans expressed approval—a rise from 44% reported last month. Trump’s overall approval rating among Republicans stands at 85%.

Only 18% of respondents believe 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 claims to have severed ties with the convicted sex offender prior to his 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting a minor.