The persisting furor over files related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has forced President Donald Trump into an unfamiliar role: trying to shut a conspiracy theory down.

In his July 14 article “On Jeffrey Epstein, Trump rolls out a new conspiracy theory about the conspiracy theory,” MSNBC’s Steve Benen’s points out three inconsistent theories espoused by the Trump administration.

A conversation with Julie K. Brown, the investigative reporter who knows more than almost anyone else about Jeffrey Epstein

President Trump has pushed for more disclosure around Epstein's case after many have demanded the release of a so-called “client list."

One of the narratives at the heart of President Trump's political movement is this: American society is dominated by a shadowy group of elites, and those elites are deeply corrupt. Nothing represented that theory more than the case of Jeffrey Epstein.

He was known for socializing with politicians and royalty, including Trump, Democratic President Bill Clinton, Microsoft (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates and Britain's Prince Andrew. Some friends and clients flew on his private plane and visited his Caribbean islands.

Some of the president’s wayward allies have — at least temporarily — rallied to his side after a bombshell report from The Wall Street Journal.