Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who briefly served as Donald Trump’s national security adviser, publicly rebuked the former president on 16 July for dismissing concerns about newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. In a detailed social-media post, Flynn warned that the issue "is not about a hoax" and said “crimes against children are never acceptable,” urging Trump to “figure out a way to move past this” and ensure those responsible are “held accountable.” Flynn’s intervention followed a Department of Justice and FBI memo stating no record exists of a rumored Epstein client list, a finding that has fueled anger among some of Trump’s supporters. Earlier the same day, Trump had branded calls for more disclosures a partisan “hoax” and said he did not want backing from anyone demanding further releases. The public break underscores tension within the former president’s political base over Epstein-related revelations. Flynn, pardoned by Trump in 2020, framed the controversy as a test of government transparency and child-protection standards, warning that inaction could aid what he termed the "deep state." His remarks add pressure on Trump and federal agencies to clarify how any remaining Epstein material will be handled.