I did not fully understand the MAGA/Epstein drama until last night.

From The New York Times (David French, 7/13/25):

The Epstein story mattered so much in MAGA circles because it was a key element in their indictment of America’s so-called ruling class. Trump’s appeal to the Republican base isn’t just rooted in his supporters’ extraordinary affection for the man; it’s also rooted in their almost indescribably dark view of the American government.

Why are they so keen to burn it all down? Well, if you believe your government is populated by people so depraved that they’d participate in and cover up the systematic sexual abuse of children, then you wouldn’t just want them out of office; you’d want them prosecuted, imprisoned and maybe even executed. And you’d want all the power you’d need to make that happen.

And if you believe that the ruling elites would abuse children, then they’d certainly be the kind of people who’d gin up a Russia hoax or try to steal an election in 2020. People who are that terrible are capable of anything. And if you wonder why MAGA turned on the F.B.I. and the Department of Justice, well, it’s not just about the Russia investigation or the F.B.I. search of Trump’s home in Mar-a-Lago. MAGA America also believed the F.B.I. was protecting pedophiles to preserve the status quo.

Soooo, the MAGAs are mad not because Epstein’s client list might expose Trump. They’re mad because the list is being withheld and will (they think) include big name Democrats so privileged and depraved that the MAGA worldview of a “corrupt liberal elite” will be confirmed. When Trump doesn’t pursue that narrative, it undermines his role as their chosen avenger.

Honestly, this is all so warped, I feel like it’s an alternate reality.