Donald Trump’s most loyal followers are turning on him—and setting their red MAGA hats on fire— over a government memo claiming that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and left behind no secret “client list.” The MAGA world is not buying it.
A fierce backlash is tearing through Donald Trump’s base after the Department of Justice and FBI released a memo declaring that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019, not murder, and that no secret “client list” ever existed. This official statement crushed long-held conspiracy theories that many Trump supporters believed.
The MAGA world is not buying it. For many in Trump’s base, who saw Epstein as a key to exposing elite corruption, this was the final straw.
“We need to burn our MAGA hats, I think that’s a solution. That’s the only language Trump will understand. He needs to be abandoned at this point,” said Nick Fuentes, a far-right podcaster and white nationalist, in a clip that quickly spread across X. “The message needs to be this: ‘We’re done, we don’t understand. The radical right is f—ing furious. We are done.’”
Videos of Trump supporters burning their red caps have flooded social media. In one clip, a man tosses his MAGA hat into a firepit. “We’re not gonna play with these anymore,” he says. “MAGA hats are off, America First hats are on.” He then pans the camera to the ashes: “This is a great representation of what’s left of MAGA.”
Another video shows a man lighting his hat on a grill. “Just burnt my MAGA hat,” he posted. “Why the f–k would you go to that island? @realDonaldTrump.”
Trump has long been linked to Epstein. In 2017, Epstein reportedly told Trump biographer Michael Wolff that Trump was his “closest friend.” During past rallies and online posts, Trump often hinted that he would expose the truth about Epstein and his powerful connections.
Now, that promise looks empty. The official line from the government has left many in the MAGA camp furious—and feeling betrayed.
Even Dan Bongino, Trump ally and former FBI agent turned right-wing media star, is threatening to quit his position as Deputy FBI Director over the way Attorney General Pam Bondi handled the case. Bongino has long believed Epstein’s death was a cover-up.
Trump’s attempts to control the damage are failing. In a heated cabinet meeting Tuesday, he snapped at reporters, calling Epstein “this creep” and saying the media needs to move on. On Truth Social, Trump pleaded with his base: “We’re on one team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening… LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB—SHE’S GREAT!”
But it may be too late.
Interest in the Epstein case has exploded again. CNN reported that Google searches for Epstein have jumped nearly 2,000% in just the last week. Trump’s base—once his most loyal—seems more interested in answers than in sticking with him.
For many MAGA faithful, the hat that once symbolized loyalty now represents a lie. And they’re not just taking it off. They’re burning it.
BREAKING: MAGA is now burning MAGA hats after Trump’s Epstein response today. pic.twitter.com/ikCS5bvR3t
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 12, 2025
Just burnt my MAGA hat.
Why the fuck would you go to that island? @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/InxuvpgtlW
— Grim ✞ (@grimcalls) July 12, 2025
