Now the persisting furor over files related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has forced Trump into an unfamiliar role: trying to shut a conspiracy theory down. Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender,

The president’s handling of the Epstein case has roiled his political base after top Justice Department officials reneged on commitments to release investigation files. The rift threatens to alienate supporters who have clamored for the documents.