For someone who’s been one of Donald Trump’s most vocal supporters, Riley Gaines is now doing something unexpected—calling him out.
The former collegiate swimmer-turned-activist, who has aligned herself with Trump on issues like transgender participation in women’s sports, has publicly blasted the former president over his reversal on a very different topic: the Jeffrey Epstein files.
From Ally to Critic
In a striking post on social media platform X, Gaines didn’t hold back after Trump dismissed renewed calls for transparency in the Epstein case as nothing more than a “hoax.”
Gaines wrote:
“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?”
Her comments reflect growing frustration within parts of the MAGA base, especially those who feel betrayed by Trump’s sudden change in tone around the Epstein case—an issue he previously promised to expose further.
Trump’s “Hoax” Dismissal Rattles Loyalists
Just last week, Trump doubled down on his refusal to release Epstein-related documents, calling the ongoing interest in the case “the Epstein hoax.”
He has gone so far as to mock fellow Republicans for what he says is being “duped” into keeping the issue alive.
This shift comes despite Trump having previously hinted at declassifying information about Epstein’s alleged associates—many of whom were powerful and well-connected figures.
Administration in Damage Control Mode
According to insiders at the White House, the Trump administration is now scrambling to manage the fallout.
Some potential measures reportedly on the table include appointing a special prosecutor, unsealing certain documents, or issuing executive actions on child protection issues.
Behind the scenes, senior officials are also said to be reaching out to right-wing influencers and social media voices, asking them to ease off the criticism and instead focus on broader “America First” goals.
Bondi Caught in the Crossfire
Attorney General Pam Bondi, once a key figure in the push to release Epstein documents, now finds herself under fire from Trump’s base.
Her department recently downplayed claims that Epstein had a so-called “client list”—a sharp contrast from her earlier tone.
When asked directly whether Bondi told him if his name appeared in the files, Trump responded:
“No, no.”
Trying to calm the waters, Trump said Bondi should release whatever she finds “credible,” adding:
“She’s handled it very well, and it’s going to be up to her.”
Trump Dismisses Epstein Obsession as “Boring”
While trying to redirect attention, Trump also made a blunt statement about the ongoing focus on the Epstein scandal.
“Only really bad people, including the fake news, want to keep something like this going,” he said.
He added that the Epstein matter is both “sordid” and “boring,” brushing it off as a distraction from real priorities.
Cracks in the MAGA Coalition?
Gaines’s public frustration could signal a wider rift brewing inside the MAGA movement—especially among those who believed Trump’s promises about government transparency and cleaning up corruption.
For someone once celebrated for speaking “truth to power” about women’s sports, Gaines is now directing that same energy at the very man she campaigned for.
And judging by the response on social media, she’s not the only one wondering what changed.