Riley Gaines took aim at President Donald Trump over his stance on the Jeffrey Epstein files, questioning his refusal to release documents and dismissing calls to do so.
The former competitive swimmer and women’s sports advocate took to social media to criticize Trump’s decision on the matter after days of backlash over the files related to Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019.
Gaines reacted to a clip of the president responding to a reporter’s question about the Epstein “hoax,” as he said, “It is started by Democrats. It has been run by the Democrats for four years.”
“It is perpetrated by the Democrats, and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net,” Trump said. “So, they try to do the Democrats‘ work.”
Was it stupid & foolish when he campaigned on releasing the files? Are Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Alina Habba all foolish & stupid for peddling this for the past 6 months?
Why on earth is he doing this? https://t.co/LIQJSkTAX1
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 16, 2025
“Was it stupid & foolish when he campaigned on releasing the files?” Gaines asked in her post on X. “Are Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Alina Habba all foolish & stupid for peddling this for the past 6 months?”
“Why on earth is he doing this?” Gaines demanded.
Trump had been asked about releasing the files pertaining to the late sex offender during his election campaign, but his refusal to do so in recent days and the handling of the matter by his attorney general have angered even his staunchest supporters.
According to the Daily Mail:
In an effort to contain the fallout, Trump and White House officials are weighing a range of options including unsealing new documents, appointing a special prosecutor and drafting executive actions on issues such as pedophilia, according to two White House sources with knowledge of the matter.
The President and senior aides have also reached out to key MAGA-aligned influencers, urging them to dial down their criticism of the administration’s handling of the Epstein investigation and shift focus to broader priorities for the America First movement, one source said.
Trump is now saying that Bondi should release “whatever she thinks is credible.”
Meanwhile, Gaines’ criticism did not sit well with some on X who reminded her that Trump did not, in fact, make campaign promises about releasing the so-called Epstein client list.
This is so disappointing.
— BB Maguire (@BB_Maguire) July 17, 2025
He didn’t campaign on that Riley. I watched all of his rallies.
— Sasha Stone (@realsashastone) July 16, 2025
Wow Riley! You are completely WRONG !
— ShellBelle (@FireHorse4766) July 17, 2025
Campaigned on? pic.twitter.com/DOEBm3cpKe
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) July 16, 2025
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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