Conservative advocate and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines openly criticized President Trump this week, accusing him of misleading his own base by withholding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Gaines, who previously supported Trump, questioned why the president campaigned on releasing the documents yet continues to suppress them—pointing to senior allies like Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Alina Habba as complicit in the delay.
Her blunt rebuke comes as Trump dismissed those demanding the files as “weaklings” and defended his decision to keep the documents under wraps, labeling the Epstein inquiry a partisan diversion. Gaines’ shift in tone underscores growing frustration from former supporters who feel betrayed by the administration’s handling of the issue.
Her public challenge to Trump marks a notable rupture within conservative circles over transparency and trust on sensitive matters.