The leading role the former “first buddy” took in stoking the Epstein controversy shows how he remains a potent political risk for Trump months after he publicly left the White House.

President Donald Trump retreated to his golf resorts in Scotland, widely seen as an attempt to avoid mounting scrutiny amid the escalating Epstein controversy, as cities across the country staged protests following his arrival.

The controversy over Jeffrey Epstein rumbles on, despite President Trump’s efforts to put it behind him. It’s been almost three weeks since a joint, unsigned memo from the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) insisted “no incriminating ‘client list’” had been found among material related to Epstein.

Trump advocated for the release of files referencing an alleged “client list” throughout the 2024 presidential campaign, and he issued an executive order soon after taking office calling for the declassification of certain federal secrets.

There's a bipartisan push for more transparency. The House Oversight Subcommittee voted Wednesday night to subpoena the Justice Department for the Epstein files with three Republicans joining Democrats in support.

Podcaster Andrew Schulz slammed President Trump during a Thursday episode of the Flagrant podcast, criticizing Trump for his handling of multiple controversies. Earlier this week, the president accused former President Obama of influencing the findings in Russiagate while distancing himself from the public’s push for more information on Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal dealings.

President Trump is in Scotland while the Epstein controversy continues to pressure him, his administration, and Republican Congressional leaders.

Democrats plan to use the fallout over the Epstein files against President Trump and the GOP during the August recess. House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) joins Chris Jansing to share why the entire scandal is one of Trump’s “own making.