"Donald Trump's derision of some supporters as "weaklings" is the latest spray in an ongoing attempt to shift the public conversation past calls for the full release of files linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
"His suggestion that calls for further releases are 'stupid' resembles past crisis management tactics the president has employed, but experts say this approach could fall flat with some of his most fervent supporters.
"Why are MAGA supporters angry?
"A large number of Mr Trump's own MAGA base are angry over an announcement by the Department of Justice that no more files on the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and his death in prison will be released.
"The department said Epstein did not maintain a "client list" of associates to whom underage girls were trafficked.
"The list has been central to several conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, and, by extension, beliefs in the existence of a shadowy "deep state" Mr Trump and allies have promised to expose.
"Many stalwart supporters of the president, including conservative commentators Alex Jones and Laura Loomer, have expressed distrust over the administration's announcement that the list does not exist.
"They point to previous comments by Attorney-General Pam Bondi, which appeared to suggest she had the client list on her desk, and the release of a "first phase" of declassified Epstein files, which implied there would be more to come.
"Where does Trump stand?
"It's unclear.
"While he campaigned on a promise to publish all documents compiled during the investigation into Epstein, he appears now to be supportive of his administration withholding them.
"In the last fortnight, he has oscillated between lashing out at his supporters for their interest in the issue, claiming the case files are a hoax, and suggesting Ms Bondi should publish what she believes to be 'credible'.
But none of the strategies have successfully called the MAGA base off the trail."
...
"Matt Dallek, a political scientist at George Washington University, said it would be difficult for the Trump administration to wind back previous commentary on the conspiracy theory.
"'The faulty assumption Trump and others make is they can peddle conspiracy theories without any blowback,' said Dr Dallek.
"'The Epstein case is a neat encapsulation that it is hard to put the genie back in the bottle.'"