Candace Owens Blasts Trump: 'He Thinks MAGA Base Is Stupid'
President Donald J. Trump listens as Candace Owens addresses her remarks at the Young Black Leadership Summit Friday, October 4, 2019, in the East Room of the White House. Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour. Public domain.
Candace Owens, a prominent right-wing commentator and former Trump ally, publicly accused President Donald Trump of thinking his Make America Great Again (MAGA) base is "stupid," according to The Daily Beast. Her sharp rebuke centers on Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which has become a source of growing frustration and distrust among his supporters.
Owens claims Trump is deliberately distracting his base from the Epstein controversy by flooding the news cycle with headlines about sending weapons to Ukraine, a move she went on to describe as "gaslighting the public." This public spat reveals deepening fissures within Trump's circle and highlights the simmering disillusionment among MAGA loyalists over unfulfilled promises related to Epstein's alleged "client list."
A Public Rebuke on Truth Social
On July 15, 2025, Owens took to social media to express her anger and disappointment with Trump's recent messaging. She criticized the president for prioritizing announcements about military aid to NATO allies supporting Ukraine over addressing the Epstein files, which many in the MAGA movement view as a critical issue. Owens suggested that Trump and those around him believe the base is "stupid" enough to be placated with war headlines while the Epstein scandal remains unresolved. She accused Trump of being surrounded by conservatives who have convinced him to sideline Epstein-related revelations in favor of foreign policy distractions, according to The Daily Beast.
Owens' frustration is rooted in her belief that the Epstein case, which involves allegations of a sex-trafficking ring linked to powerful elites, has been mishandled or deliberately covered up by the Trump administration. Despite Trump's earlier promises to release damning information about Epstein's associates, the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation recently issued a joint memo stating there is no client list implicating high-profile figures and confirming Epstein's death was a suicide. This memo ignited a firestorm within the MAGA base, many of whom feel betrayed by the lack of transparency, as reported by TIME.
The Epstein Files: A Make America Great Again Powder Keg
The Epstein files have become a political powder keg. For years, Trump has previously fueled conspiracy theories about Epstein, hinting at a vast network of elites involved in criminal activities. His base eagerly awaited revelations that would expose these figures, but the recent Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation statements dashed those hopes. The backlash has been intense, with some MAGA influencers and supporters openly criticizing the administration's handling of the issue.
Owens stands out among these voices for her refusal to back down. She has vowed to continue investigating Epstein's connections, promising to "do his entire genealogy backwards and forwards" before letting the issue go, according to The Daily Beast. This contrasts with other MAGA figures like Charlie Kirk, who recently declared he was done discussing Epstein and would trust the administration's conclusions, according to TIME.
Infighting Among Make America Great Again Influencers
The Epstein controversy has exposed a rift among MAGA influencers, many of whom wield significant influence over the movement's messaging. Some, like Tucker Carlson, have pushed conspiracy theories suggesting Epstein was a blackmail operative for foreign governments. Others, including Owens, have taken a more aggressive stance, demanding accountability and transparency.
This division has created tension between those who prioritize loyalty to Trump and those who feel compelled to hold the administration accountable. Owens' public criticism of Trump's approach signals a growing impatience within the base, as many supporters feel their concerns are being ignored or dismissed in favor of political expediency.
Trump's Response and the Base's Reaction
Trump has attempted to quell the Epstein-related unrest within his base by dismissing the controversy as a distraction and accusing previous Democratic administrations of mishandling the investigation. In a lengthy Truth Social post, he urged his supporters to unite behind his administration and criticized "selfish people" trying to damage his presidency over a "guy who never dies," referring to Epstein. However, Owens described this post as "rambling" and likened it to a ChatGPT-generated message, implying it lacked sincerity and failed to address the core issues, as reported by The Daily Beast.
Despite Trump's efforts, the Epstein files continue to dominate conversations within the MAGA community, with many supporters expressing skepticism about the official narrative. The controversy has even led to public calls from figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for full disclosure of the Epstein files and investigations into the rich powerful elites allegedly involved, according to The Verge.
The Broader Political Implications
The Epstein scandal's fallout is not just a matter of internal MAGA politics; it has broader implications for the Republican Party and the 2026 midterm elections. According to TIME, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon warned that up to 10% of Trump supporters might defect due to feelings of betrayal over the Epstein files, potentially costing House Republicans several seats. House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged transparency and encouraged moving past the infighting saying, "It's a very delicate subject but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it."
Democrats have seized on the Republican turmoil, pushing for the release of more information and using the controversy to distract from Trump's legislative agenda. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested that the administration may be lying about the Epstein files, further fueling public distrust, according to TIME.
A Movement at a Crossroads
Candace Owens' public denunciation of Trump's handling of the Epstein scandal underscores a critical moment for the MAGA movement. The base's growing disillusionment reflects a broader crisis of trust, as supporters grapple with unfulfilled promises and perceived betrayals. Owens' willingness to break ranks and challenge Trump signals that the movement's unity is far from guaranteed.
For Trump, managing this internal dissent will be crucial as he navigates his second term. The Epstein files have become a litmus test for loyalty and credibility within his circle, forcing influencers and supporters alike to choose between allegiance to the president and the pursuit of truth.
As the Epstein saga continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Make America Great Again movement is wrestling with its own identity, caught between fierce loyalty and mounting skepticism. Owens' sharp words serve as a warning that the base's patience is wearing thin, and the fallout from this scandal could shape the political landscape for years to come.
References: Candace Owens to MAGA: Trump Thinks You're 'Stupid' | Epstein Anger Grows: "This Is Why People Don't Trust Government" | MAGA influencers are still tearing each other apart over the Epstein Files | Tucker Carlson claims Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israel to blackmail US officials: 'Every single person in DC thinks that'
