Some Republicans have called for the appointment of a special counsel, as MAGA allies have raged over the handling of the Epstein investigation.

"The president would not recommend a special prosecutor in the Epstein case," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said July 17.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will not recommend a special counsel in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a White House spokeswoman said Thursday, turning aside calls for further action in an inquiry that has roiled the Justice Department and angered supporters who had been expecting a treasure trove of documents from the case.