Most Americans are aware of the recent release of files relating to the case against Jeffrey Epstein, and more Americans disapprove than approve of how Donald Trump is handling the Epstein investigation. Half of Americans believe Trump is trying to cover up Epstein's crimes and a similar share believe he was personally involved in them.
What you need to know about Americans' views on investigations into Epstein, as of the February 6 - 9, 2026 Economist / YouGov Poll:
- The vast majority of Americans have heard about the the Department of Justice releasing a trove of documents related to its investigation of Epstein: 48% say they've heard a lot about it and 42% have heard a little
- Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say they've heard a lot about the release of Epstein-related documents (59% vs. 42%)
- Net approval of Trump's handling of the Epstein investigations is -34 — meaning the share of Americans who strongly or somewhat disapprove minus the share who approve is 34 percentage points — and has changed little since last July: A slight increase in net approval among Republicans has been offset by a decrease among Democrats
- 52% of Americans say Trump is trying to cover up Epstein's crimes, while 30% say he isn't
- 91% of Democrats, 55% of Independents, and 12% of Republicans say Trump is trying to cover up Epstein's crimes
- The share of Americans who say Trump is covering up Epstein's crimes has changed little since mid-November, according to five Economist / YouGov polls that have asked about it:
- Half (50%) of Americans think that Trump was involved in crimes allegedly committed by Epstein; 29% think he was not
- 86% of Democrats, 51% of Independents, and 13% of Republicans believe Trump was involved in Epstein's crimes
- The vast majority (85%) of Americans — including 94% of Democrats and 84% of Republicans — strongly or somewhat agree with the statement, "There are powerful elites who helped Epstein target and abuse young girls. They protected him and need to be investigated."
Image: Getty (Kevin Dietsch / Staff)
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