Fact Check: Trump says he wants the FBI to investigate who created the "Epstein hoax" and notes "so much of the things that we found [in the files] were fake, with me."

Fact Check: Trump Claims FBI Should Investigate "Epstein Hoax"

What We Know

Recently, former President Donald Trump stated that he wants the FBI to investigate who created the "Epstein hoax." He emphasized that "so much of the things that we found [in the files] were fake, with me" (Yahoo). This statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's case and the associated files that have been the subject of public interest and speculation.

In a related context, FBI agents were instructed to "flag" any documents that mentioned Trump while reviewing files in the Epstein case (CNBC). This directive has raised questions about the motivations behind the FBI's handling of the case and the implications for Trump, who has previously denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Trump's comments were made during an interview where he expressed skepticism about the integrity of the Epstein files, suggesting that they may have been manipulated to serve political interests. He referenced the Steele dossier as an example of what he perceives as politically motivated fabrications (The National Pulse).

Analysis

Trump's assertion that he wants the FBI to investigate the "Epstein hoax" aligns with his broader narrative of claiming victimhood in political matters. The term "hoax" has been frequently employed by Trump to describe various investigations and allegations against him, including the Steele dossier and other inquiries into his conduct.

The reliability of the sources discussing Trump's claims varies. For instance, the report from Yahoo provides a direct quote from Trump, which lends credibility to the assertion that he made these statements. However, the context in which Trump makes these claims—often during interviews or speeches aimed at rallying his base—can introduce bias. His comments are typically framed within a narrative that seeks to discredit opponents and portray himself as a target of political machinations.

Furthermore, the directive for FBI agents to flag documents mentioning Trump adds a layer of complexity to the situation. While it raises questions about the FBI's investigative priorities, it does not inherently validate Trump's claims of a conspiracy against him. The FBI's actions can be interpreted as standard procedure in high-profile cases involving public figures, especially in light of Trump's past associations with Epstein (CNBC).

In summary, while Trump's claim about the need for an investigation into the "Epstein hoax" is supported by his own statements, the broader implications and motivations behind these claims should be critically assessed. The sources reporting on these events provide varying degrees of context and reliability, with some leaning towards sensationalism.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump wants the FBI to investigate the "Epstein hoax" and that he stated "so much of the things that we found [in the files] were fake, with me" is True. The statements are directly attributed to Trump and are corroborated by multiple sources. However, the context and motivations behind these statements are complex and should be viewed with a critical lens, considering Trump's history of framing narratives to his advantage.