Trump’s Sudden Claim as an FBI Informant in Epstein Case: A Reputation Whitewashing Effort That Won’t Fade Away

In an effort to rehabilitate Donald Trump’s image, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on September 5, 2025, that Trump had previously acted as an FBI informant in the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities.

This declaration arises amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the so-called “Epstein files,” which Trump has previously dismissed as a “Democratic hoax.” Johnson emphasized that Trump does not downplay the severity of Epstein’s crimes, referring to them as “horrible and unspeakable evil.” He stated that upon learning of allegations regarding Epstein’s illegal conduct, Trump took action by expelling him from his Mar-a-Lago club and subsequently collaborated with the FBI to address the situation.

However, Johnson did not provide specific details regarding the timeline or the nature of the information Trump may have shared with the FBI.