Reference News, July 21 report: The UK's Daily Telegraph website published an article titled "Trump's Relationship with Epstein May Ruin His Presidential Term" on July 19, written by Janet Daly. The article is excerpted as follows:
Trump's poll numbers have suffered a heavy blow. One might think there are many seemingly reasonable explanations for his declining support. It could be the global economic turmoil caused by his capricious tariff proposals, or his fluctuating relationship with Putin, or his ambivalence towards NATO and the United States' uncertain support for European countries.
But that's not the case. The trust collapse threatening Trump's administration credibility today is not any of the above. What is really undermining the president's support among his "Make America Great Again" base and even among Republican lawmakers is his relationship with Epstein.
This panderer once procured underage girls for some very prominent public figures. His life and experiences were so despicable that all those known to have had contact with him have been affected in terms of reputation. His suicide while in prison means that the exact details of this matter will remain a mystery forever, and the evidence will always be subject to debate.
Nevertheless, the apparent records of Trump's association with him have become the most closely watched issue in American politics.
Trump's team's contradictory statements have further worsened his situation: Attorney General Bonta first announced that he was ready to release documents containing Epstein's client list, and later denied the existence of such a document. Now, almost everyone who previously claimed that such a document and list existed has withdrawn or refuted their previous statements.
The president himself has issued legal threats to media outlets reporting on this issue, and has shown a hysterical desire for revenge against anyone trying to investigate it. Using intimidation to suppress critics is generally not seen as a sign of confidence and integrity — even his loyal supporters agree.
The White House not only insists that Epstein's relationship with the president is not the kind of transactional relationship suggested by current reports, but also claims the whole matter is trivial. White House Press Secretary Levitt said last week: "He (the president) does not want to see Democrats and mainstream media making this the top news for American people."
But the problem is, this is exactly the top news for American people, and the decline in support is due to this. American voters seem to be more shocked and outraged by the allegations of improper sexual conduct against the president than by the huge economic turmoil he has caused and the threat to Western political solidarity.
Is this not concerning? The impact of Trump's various policies and frequent absurd reversals on public opinion in the United States is not as significant as the shock brought about by the exposure of his private life. (Translated by Tu Qi)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529413700646650408/
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