A perceived lack of transparency over the US investigations into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has carved a rare chasm between President Donald Trump and his typically loyal Republican base.

Uscinski noted that Trump and officials in his administration did not do themselves any favors by fanning the flames around Epstein, particularly around Epstein’s death, only to now be told to stop talking about it. But he added that Epstein theories broke beyond partisan lines in ways other conspiracy theories haven’t.