Trump indifference to Epstein possibly tactical

A lifelong Iowan, I've been hardcore MAGA for some 10 years. And I was ecstatic when Trump carried my state in 2024 and returned to the Oval Office. But his apparent indifference to the case of jet-setting child-molester Jeffrey Epstein disappointed many endorsers, myself included.

It was hardly a flattering look. The president appeared weak, as if he were following orders handed down to him by some mystery overlord.

During a recent press conference, President Trump argued other matters should instead be given consideration. "Are people still talking about this creep?," he asked. He garnished his seeming unconcern with mockery of those who demand the lid be ripped off and all those culpable exposed and punished.

His evasiveness recalled Biden's salaried-dissembler Katrina Jean-Pierre. Regularly, binder at hand, she endeavored to deflect critical queries. Such calculated weaselry is one reason citizens hate government.

High-profile Trump supporters, including MAGA champion Tucker Carlson, blasted Trump's demeanor as indicative of a cover-up. During a Newsmax interview, Trump friend Charlie Kirk noted it brought to mind the deep-state's sleazy machinations and frigid nonconcern with the public interest.

But, as our president has to his credit so many significant accomplishments that have bettered citizens' fortunes, for him to do ill would be wholly out of character.

A more positive explanation holds that macro matters may be involved. And perhaps their appropriate dispositions would be jeopardized by spotlighting any Epstein-related actions that may now be underway. Justice must sometimes be pursued covertly - at least, initially.

It's possible that similar organized horrors are ongoing, and that bringing them to deserved ends, rescuing victims, and punishing related maldoers take precedent over open attention to Epstein's foulness.

At least, in the present moment.

This matter, then, might not be a reminder that heroes can falter, but rather that appearances can mislead. Doing the right thing may originate in shadows, its ultimate realization becoming general knowledge only once made material.

The Chief Executive's posturing may actually be contrived to lull excrement-charactered offenders into relaxing their guards, and to enable noble behind-curtain activities. If so, that would be pretty damn smart of President Trump. One hopes it's true.

I don't know the above speculation to be fact. I do not assert that it is. Perhaps I'm being unduly charitable.

But then, the man on the street may one day be happily surprised.