MAGA influencer Laura Loomer is publicly challenging Attorney General Pam Bondi, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated in an escalating feud over the disappointing “Epstein Files” release. Could this signal deeper division within conservative circles as the Trump administration faces criticism from its own base?
At a Glance
- Laura Loomer accused Florida AG Pam Bondi of blocking her on social media, claiming it violates her First Amendment rights
- The controversy stems from disappointment over heavily redacted “Epstein Files” that revealed little new information
- Files were initially distributed to select right-wing influencers at a White House event before public release
- Critics, including prominent MAGA supporters, called the release unprofessional and misleading
- Calls for Bondi’s resignation have emerged amid accusations of “gatekeeping” and lack of transparency
First Amendment Showdown
Conservative firebrand Laura Loomer has escalated her criticism of Attorney General Pam Bondi to new heights, accusing the Trump appointee of violating her constitutional rights by blocking her on social media. The dispute stems from Loomer’s vocal criticism of how Bondi handled the release of the highly anticipated “Epstein Files: Phase 1” documents, which many conservatives found disappointingly empty of new revelations.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Trump appointed Attorney General of the United States just blocked me on X because I’m holding her accountable for lying about releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files,” Loomer stated, providing screenshots as evidence of being blocked from Bondi’s official government account. Legal precedent suggests this action could constitute a First Amendment violation, creating an awkward situation for an administration that has championed free speech.
Influencer Outrage
The controversy erupted after Bondi distributed special binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” to select social media personalities at a White House event before posting the documents on the Justice Department’s website. Critics were quick to point out that the highly redacted documents contained minimal new information about Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious activities and connections, disappointing many who had anticipated bombshell revelations.
“I hate to say it, but the American people can’t trust the validity of the Epstein files released today. It was released in an unprofessional manner with paid, partisan social media influencers to curate their binders for us. I can’t trust anything in the binder. Neither should you,” Loomer said.
The method of release sparked immediate backlash, with influencers accused of “gatekeeping” and profiting from exclusive access to government documents. Jeremy Hambly voiced frustration shared by many conservatives: “Influencers shouldn’t be getting the Epstein Files. This is absurd. They should be released to the public all at once not used to make money for ‘insiders.'”
Growing Conservative Criticism
The controversy has created an unusual scenario where some of Trump’s most vocal supporters are publicly criticizing his administration’s actions. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy didn’t mince words in his assessment of the situation, asking: “If I’m gonna be fair these questions needs to be asked today. Why is the release of the Epstein list always a s**t show?”
Even Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna expressed disappointment, publicly stating that the release failed to provide the information requested by both the public and the task force created to investigate the Epstein case. Meanwhile, actor Kevin Sorbo joined the chorus of criticism, questioning the administration’s effectiveness in delivering on its promises of transparency.
Calls for Resignation
As the controversy intensifies, Loomer has directly called for Bondi’s resignation, suggesting that the Attorney General deliberately misled the American people. “She already KNEW what was in the binders. She lied to the American People. She should resign,” Loomer declared, implying that Bondi was aware of the documents’ limited revelatory value before their much-hyped release.
With promises of future document releases still pending, the administration faces growing pressure to deliver more substantial information about Epstein’s network of powerful connections. The dispute highlights tension between the Trump administration’s promise of “radical transparency” and the practical challenges of delivering on such expectations, especially on a case as sensitive and high-profile as Epstein’s.
