The ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues to impact Donald Trump’s political landscape, with a Republican strategist attributing part of the issue to the former president’s handling of the situation. In a recent appearance on CNN News Central, GOP strategist Malik Abdul discussed the implications of Trump’s long-standing association with the late sex offender and the consequences of his administration’s failure to release investigative files regarding Epstein’s trafficking network.
Abdul noted that Trump’s approach has contributed to the scandal’s persistence. “They got the messaging all wrong,” he stated, emphasizing that the tactic of denial was ineffective. He highlighted that Trump has surrounded himself with individuals like Dan Bongino, the FBI Deputy Director, who have capitalized on public interest in the Epstein case. “You can’t deny, deny, deny,” Abdul added. He stressed that the energy surrounding the demand for information remains strong, despite the lack of action from Democrats during Joe Biden‘s presidency.
While Abdul acknowledged the significance of the Epstein scandal, he expressed skepticism about its impact on the upcoming midterm elections. He pointed out that the Department of Justice has not yet complied with a recent law mandating the release of all Epstein-related files, but he believes this will not sway voters. “I don’t think that it will be a factor going into next year and especially the midterms,” he remarked.
Abdul further asserted that if there were any substantial evidence implicating Trump in criminal activity related to Epstein, it would have likely emerged by now. He stated, “If there were any evidence that Donald Trump was complicit in any sort of crime… we would already know that by this point.”
As political dynamics evolve leading into the midterm elections, Abdul predicts that the economy will be a more pressing issue for voters. He believes the administration’s economic message will take precedence over the Epstein scandal, stating, “By this time next year, it won’t be an issue.”
This analysis raises questions about the political strategies employed by Trump’s camp and the potential challenges they may face as the political landscape shifts. The Epstein scandal, while significant, may not overshadow the pressing concerns voters have about the economy and other key issues as the elections approach.
