The Epstein affair had the hallmarks of a conspiracy theory. He was a rich financier with a Jewish surname and powerful acquaintances, including Bill Clinton, a former president, and Prince Andrew, a British royal.

On Monday, the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo evoking outrage from both President Donald Trump’s critics and his most ardent supporters.

"We The People do not believe the latest Epstein excuses by the FBI and it's insulting to your base," one social media user wrote.