The author of an article in Politico argues that there are three possible reasons why Trump is battling the base over Epstein. Option 1 is that he knew perfectly well from the beginning that there was no client list or conspiracy, but he used the story for his political benefit, and he doesn’t want to admit that he lied; Option 2 is that the records will show that he had a closer relationship with Epstein than he wants to concede; Option 3 is that Trump, Bondi, Patel, and the rest genuinely believed in the conspiracy, now know there wasn’t one, and refuse to admit they were wrong, because backing down would be a sign of weakness. That analysis is probably correct.
Given Trump’s history, I would bet the ranch on #1. When he makes outrageous base-pleasing statements that don’t go over well, he usually mitigates the damage by saying he was joking. Maybe he should try that again.