• Trump’s overall approval rating rises to 49%, his highest since May, despite ongoing controversy surrounding how Epstein files impact his presidency.
• Voters largely disapprove of how Epstein files impact Trump’s administration, with widespread skepticism about official accounts.
• Strong Republican support keeps Trump’s ratings steady, while Independent voters show significant disapproval of how Epstein files impact his handling of the case.

President Donald Trump finds himself in a surprising political position as a recent poll reveals his approval ratings inching up, even amid the swirling controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. According to an exclusive survey conducted by Daily Mail and J.L. Partners, nearly half of registered voters now approve of Trump’s performance in office—an increase of one percentage point since early July. Yet, public sentiment remains sharply divided when it comes to how Epstein files impact the fallout from the scandal.

The poll surveyed just over 1,000 registered voters and carries a margin of error of 3.1 percent. The results reveal a narrow but notable shift: 49 percent of voters now approve of Trump’s job as president, up from 48 percent just weeks ago. Meanwhile, 51 percent disapprove, a slight decline from previous figures. This uptick marks Trump’s highest approval rating in two months, a fact that offers some political relief amid a grueling news cycle dominated by Epstein’s legacy.

Holding Steady Amid Stormy Headlines

The Epstein scandal, which has haunted Trump’s administration with questions about transparency and justice, has not significantly dented the president’s overall approval ratings. James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, explained to the Daily Mail that while the Epstein saga might appear damaging on the surface, it hasn’t translated into a drop in support. In fact, the president’s core base remains remarkably loyal. Johnson pointed out that 91 percent of Republican voters continue to stand behind Trump, a figure that has held steady throughout the controversy.

“This news saga may seem damaging, but it’s not hurting Trump’s approval numbers,” Johnson said. “If anything, they are inching upward, showing resilience in his support.” How Epstein files impact the electorate is complex.

Despite the steadfast support from Republicans, the president’s handling of the Epstein files draws much harsher judgment. When asked specifically about how Trump’s administration has managed the Epstein case, voters expressed clear disapproval. Only 27 percent gave Trump a passing grade on this front, while 42 percent disapproved outright. Another 20 percent of respondents remained indifferent or undecided, signaling a sizable chunk of the electorate doesn’t prioritize the Epstein files in their political evaluations.

The ‘Witch Hunt’ and Growing Skepticism

Inside the White House, Trump has openly dismissed media inquiries about the Epstein case, labeling the investigation a “witch hunt.” On Wednesday, he appeared visibly frustrated, signaling a desire to move past the controversy. Yet, the public remains skeptical, with the vast majority doubting official accounts released by the Department of Justice.

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s memo, which declared Epstein’s death a suicide and dismissed rumors of a ‘client list,’ has failed to convince most Americans. Just 15 percent of voters say they believe the administration’s version of events. In stark contrast, 47 percent remain convinced there is more to uncover—secrets hidden beneath layers of official statements. Another 23 percent acknowledge the memo but believe it only scratches the surface of a deeper story.

Johnson noted that while many voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of Epstein, the issue doesn’t weigh heavily enough on their minds to erode their overall support. “They disapprove, but it’s not a priority for them,” he explained. “Their concerns about Epstein don’t outweigh their views on other key issues like the economy or immigration.”

Partisan Divide Deepens Over Epstein Files

The divide over Epstein’s files cuts sharply along party lines. While 52 percent of Republicans give Trump passing marks on how he’s handled the Epstein revelations, Independent voters are far less forgiving. Only 13 percent of Independents express approval, with half outright disapproving. This split highlights a growing challenge for Trump: while his base remains loyal, he risks alienating moderate and swing voters who may view the Epstein scandal as emblematic of broader issues within his administration.

The situation grew more tense after a Wall Street Journal report surfaced, claiming Trump had signed a bizarre birthday card to Epstein that included a hand-drawn image of a naked woman and a cryptic message: “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump vehemently denied the allegations, calling the report “fake news” and filing a massive \$10 billion lawsuit against the publication. This legal battle adds another layer of conflict to the ongoing media storm.

Public Reaction and Political Outlook

The Epstein files have sparked fierce debate nationwide, with some calling for deeper investigations into possible high-level cover-ups, while others dismiss the scandal as political fodder. Polling data suggests that while voters disapprove of how Trump’s team has dealt with the case, they are largely focused on other issues when it comes to their judgment of his presidency.

Economic performance, border security, and general governance appear to remain the dominant factors shaping voter opinions. “The Epstein scandal is significant, but it’s not enough to shift voter allegiance on its own,” Johnson remarked. “People are looking at the bigger picture.”

Looking ahead, the administration faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust on this sensitive topic. Public skepticism toward official narratives underscores a demand for greater transparency—something many feel has been lacking. Whether this mistrust will impact Trump’s political fortunes in the long run remains uncertain, but for now, his approval rating suggests he is weathering the storm better than expected.