By Kayla Epstein | BBC News, Pennsylvania
In West Pittston, a quiet town near Scranton, Pennsylvania, life looks like a snapshot of small-town America—quaint storefronts, flag-lined lampposts, and a deeply loyal base of Donald Trump supporters. But even here, where the “Make America Great Again” movement runs strong, signs of frustration are emerging.

At a recent event featuring Vice-President JD Vance—held outside Don’s Machine Shop on a hot 85°F (30°C) day—supporters celebrated what Vance called Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a major legislative victory. But a lawn sign near the crowd pointed to a growing unease among the MAGA faithful:
“WHERE IS THE LIST???”
It referenced the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files—alleged government documents rumored to include a list of powerful individuals connected to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. For many Trump supporters, the release of this list has become a litmus test of his commitment to justice and transparency.

Although the U.S. Justice Department recently stated it found no evidence that such a client list exists, many in the MAGA crowd remain hopeful—or increasingly impatient.

“When he’s ready, he’ll let them out,” said 72-year-old Ed DeLucca, expressing confidence that Trump will eventually reveal the documents, just as he believes the former president will fulfill promises on immigration and border security.

Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors, died in jail later that year in what was ruled a suicide. His death only intensified conspiracy theories—both about how he died and who may have been involved in his alleged crimes.

Now, with Trump’s own justice officials suggesting the files might never materialize, some supporters are starting to turn their criticism inward.

In online forums and at public gatherings, Trump’s base has begun questioning key figures in his administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Some are calling for their removal, arguing they’ve failed to deliver on promises of accountability.

“We put you in office, you ran on this platform,” said Steven Taylor, a truck driver and lifelong Trump supporter. “We didn’t ask for it. And now we want it. We demand it.”

Others, like DeLucca, remain patient. “There’s a reason for the delay. They’ll come out eventually,” he said, suggesting internal battles among MAGA factions are the real challenge.
“They got to make peace. They can’t exist without Pam or Dan Bongino. It’s like the Avengers—everyone has a role to play.”

But the backlash threatens to overshadow Trump’s recent legislative accomplishments, including a hard-fought budget bill. Trump took to Truth Social to push back, calling the Epstein file theory a “Democrat hoax” designed to undermine him.

“Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax,” Trump posted. “And my PAST supporters have bought into this [expletive] hook, line, and sinker.”

While some voters, like Chrissy Matticks, support Trump’s stance and blame Democrats for politicizing the Epstein case, others remain uneasy.

“Democrats should have released it when Biden was president,” she said. “They’re just using it to stir things up. I still trust Trump—he’s focused on the real issues like deporting illegals and fixing the economy.”

As Trump heads toward the next election cycle, he faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining his base’s loyalty while navigating their growing impatience over the Epstein saga. Whether he delivers on their expectations or not, the issue is testing the limits of even his most dedicated supporters.