A new YouGov/Economist poll of more than 1,700 U.S. adults found that about half of Americans believe President Donald Trump was involved in crimes allegedly committed by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thirty percent of respondents said they do not believe Trump was involved, while 21 percent reported being unsure.
Partisan divisions were stark. Only 13 percent of Republicans said they believe Trump was involved, compared with more than half of independents and 86 percent of Democrats. The findings highlight how perceptions of the Epstein case are sharply filtered through party affiliation.
Broad Agreement That “Powerful Elites” Protected Epstein
Despite partisan differences over Trump, there was overwhelming consensus that Epstein was shielded by influential figures. Eighty-five percent of respondents — including 94 percent of Democrats and 84 percent of Republicans — said they believe “powerful elites” helped Epstein abuse young girls and protected him, and that those individuals should be investigated.
The Justice Department’s recent release of millions of Epstein-related documents has renewed scrutiny of prominent figures whose names appear in the files. Among them are former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trump. Appearance in the documents does not in itself imply criminal wrongdoing.
Trump Urges Country to “Move On”
Trump has not been charged with or formally accused of criminal conduct related to Epstein. However, his name appears multiple times in the released materials, fueling ongoing public debate.
Earlier this month, Trump said it was time for the country to shift focus away from the Epstein matter, arguing that nothing incriminating had emerged about him. He suggested Americans instead turn their attention to other priorities such as healthcare and economic issues.
