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Trump''s longtime rage at Obama roars back amid Epstein furor | CNN Politics

Obama Blasts Trump's 'Unhinged Rage' Amid Escalating Epstein Scandal Furor

In a rare and pointed public intervention, former President Barack Obama has unleashed a scathing critique of Donald Trump, accusing the former president of fueling "unhinged rage" that threatens the fabric of American democracy. Speaking at a virtual town hall event hosted by the Obama Foundation on Wednesday, Obama tied Trump's recent outbursts to the ongoing furor surrounding newly unsealed documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The remarks come at a time when the Epstein case has once again exploded into the national spotlight, with fresh allegations and conspiracy theories dominating headlines and social media.

Obama, who has largely stayed out of the political fray since leaving office in 2017, did not mince words. "We've seen this before – a man consumed by rage, lashing out at anyone who dares to question him," Obama said, referring to Trump's barrage of social media posts and public statements in recent weeks. "But this isn't just about personal vendettas. It's about a deliberate strategy to sow chaos and division, especially when the truth starts closing in." The former president drew parallels between Trump's current behavior and his actions during the 2020 election, suggesting that the Epstein revelations are exacerbating Trump's sense of vulnerability.

The Epstein scandal, which has simmered for years, reached a boiling point earlier this month when a federal judge in New York ordered the release of over 2,000 pages of previously redacted documents from Epstein's 2008 plea deal and subsequent civil lawsuits. These files include depositions, emails, and flight logs that name dozens of high-profile individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders who associated with Epstein. While Trump has long denied any wrongdoing – insisting his interactions with Epstein were limited and that he banned him from Mar-a-Lago years ago – the documents have reignited scrutiny of his past ties to the convicted sex offender.

Among the most explosive revelations are transcripts from Epstein's former employees, who described parties at Epstein's properties where Trump was allegedly present. One deposition, from a former housekeeper at Epstein's Palm Beach estate, claims Trump attended multiple gatherings in the early 2000s, though no direct accusations of misconduct against Trump have surfaced in the new files. However, online conspiracy theorists, many aligned with far-right groups, have seized on these details to weave elaborate narratives implicating not just Trump but a broader "deep state" cabal. Trump, in turn, has amplified these theories on his Truth Social platform, accusing the Biden administration of orchestrating a "witch hunt" to distract from what he calls "the real crimes" committed by his political enemies.

Obama's comments appear timed to counter this narrative. He emphasized the dangers of misinformation, particularly in an election year. "When leaders rage against the truth, they invite anarchy," Obama stated. "We've watched as baseless claims about Epstein have been weaponized to undermine trust in our institutions. This isn't about one man or one scandal; it's about protecting the rule of law from those who would burn it down for their own gain." The former president also referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, linking Trump's current rhetoric to the kind of inflammatory language that incited that event. "Rage begets violence," he warned, urging Americans to reject demagoguery and focus on facts.

The timing of Obama's intervention is notable, as it coincides with mounting legal pressures on Trump. In addition to the Epstein document releases, Trump faces multiple ongoing investigations, including federal probes into his handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Sources close to Trump have described him as increasingly isolated and furious, with aides reportedly struggling to contain his public outbursts. One anonymous advisor told CNN that Trump's fixation on the Epstein story stems from a fear that it could alienate his base if not aggressively countered with counter-narratives.

Public reaction to the Epstein files has been polarized. Progressive activists and victims' rights groups have hailed the unsealing as a step toward justice, with organizations like the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program calling for further investigations into all named associates. "These documents expose a web of influence that protected predators for too long," said Alicia Arden, a model who has accused Epstein of assault and has been vocal in pushing for transparency. On the other side, Trump supporters have rallied around the former president, organizing protests outside courthouses and flooding social media with hashtags like #EpsteinHoax and #TrumpInnocent.

The scandal's ripple effects extend beyond Trump. Other figures mentioned in the documents, including former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, have faced renewed questions. Clinton, who flew on Epstein's private jet multiple times, issued a statement reiterating that he cut ties with Epstein in 2002 and had no knowledge of his crimes. Prince Andrew, who settled a civil lawsuit related to Epstein in 2022, has remained largely silent amid the latest disclosures.

Obama's speech also touched on broader themes of accountability and healing. He called for bipartisan efforts to address systemic issues exposed by the Epstein case, such as sex trafficking and the influence of wealth in evading justice. "This moment demands more than outrage; it demands action," he said. "We must ensure that no one, regardless of power or position, is above the law." The former president encouraged young leaders to engage in politics with integrity, contrasting this with what he described as Trump's "toxic" approach.

Analysts suggest Obama's reemergence could signal a more active role in the 2024 presidential race, where Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination despite his legal woes. Democratic strategists view Obama's influence as a potential boon for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, which has struggled with low approval ratings amid economic concerns. "Obama still commands immense respect," said political commentator David Axelrod, a former Obama advisor. "His words carry weight in reminding voters of the stakes."

Trump's response to Obama's remarks was swift and predictable. In a series of posts on Truth Social, he labeled Obama a "failed president" and accused him of being part of the "corrupt elite" protecting Epstein's secrets. "Obama knows the truth about Epstein and is scared," Trump wrote. "They're all in on it – the fake news, the deep state, and now the has-beens like Barack Hussein Obama."

The furor shows no signs of abating. Federal authorities have indicated that more documents could be released in the coming months, potentially including grand jury materials from Epstein's 2019 arrest. Advocacy groups are pushing for congressional hearings to examine how Epstein's network operated with apparent impunity for so long. Meanwhile, misinformation continues to spread, with fact-checkers debunking claims ranging from fabricated "Epstein lists" to wild theories about government cover-ups.

In the midst of this chaos, Obama's voice stands out as a call for calm and reason. He concluded his remarks by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that." It's a reminder, he said, that America's strength lies not in rage, but in resilience and truth. As the nation grapples with these revelations, the contrast between Obama's measured tone and Trump's fiery retorts underscores the deep divisions that continue to define American politics.

The Epstein case, once thought buried with the financier's death in 2019, has proven remarkably resilient. Epstein was found dead in his jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, a death ruled a suicide but one that has fueled endless speculation. The new documents shed light on his operations, detailing how he allegedly used his wealth to lure young women and girls into a cycle of abuse, often under the guise of modeling opportunities or massages. Testimonies describe a sophisticated network involving recruiters, enablers, and powerful friends who turned a blind eye.

For Trump, the scandal revives uncomfortable questions from his past. In a 2002 New York Magazine interview, Trump famously called Epstein a "terrific guy" who liked "beautiful women... on the younger side." Trump has since distanced himself, claiming he was unaware of Epstein's activities. But with the 2024 election looming, these associations could prove politically damaging, especially among suburban voters and women who have been key to recent Democratic gains.

Obama's critique extends beyond Trump to the broader ecosystem of outrage politics. He warned against the dangers of social media algorithms that amplify extreme voices, creating echo chambers where facts are secondary to fury. "We've built a system that rewards rage," he said. "It's time to rebuild one that rewards responsibility."

As the story unfolds, it's clear that the Epstein furor is more than a scandal – it's a litmus test for America's ability to confront uncomfortable truths. Whether Obama's words will pierce the noise remains to be seen, but they serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved when personal rage intersects with public power. In a divided nation, the path forward may depend on choosing light over darkness, facts over fiction, and unity over unbridled anger.

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