Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Dec 12: A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Americans remain broadly distrustful of President Donald Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, even as he regains some ground among core Republican supporters.

The poll found that only 23 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s approach to the issue, while 52 percent disapprove. A majority believe his administration is concealing information about Epstein’s 2019 death and the late financier’s links to influential figures.

The survey, conducted online between December 3 and 8 with 4,434 adults, revealed that public suspicion remains high despite Trump’s repeated claims that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s alleged trafficking of underage girls during their past friendship.

According to the poll, 62 percent of those surveyed — including 56 percent of Republicans — think the US government is hiding details about Epstein’s death, which was officially ruled a suicide. Seventy percent believe authorities are withholding information about people who may have been involved in Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking network. Only 18 percent of respondents said they believed Trump was unaware of Epstein’s crimes before they became public, with 34 percent of Republicans sharing that view.

Trump, who has long fueled conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, has nonetheless managed to calm some concerns within his base. Republican approval of his handling of the matter rose from 44 percent last month to 53 percent now, though it remains far below the 85 percent overall support he enjoys among party members.

The issue has also created unusual bipartisan pressure. Lawmakers in Congress recently passed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release documents from its investigation into Epstein by December 19, despite Trump’s objections.

Trump maintains that he distanced himself from Epstein years before the financier’s 2008 conviction and insists he had no knowledge of any illegal activities.