United States President, Donald Trump claimed Friday that pressure to issue details of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sex abuse network is a “ hoax” pushed by Democratic opponents.

“The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again,” the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that lawmakers in his party joining the effort to force publication of the Epstein files are “soft and foolish.”

Trump’s angry message came as the Epstein scandal escalated, with growing questions over the 79-year-old president’s long, close relationship with the disgraced late financier.

Epstein died in prison in 2019 — by suicide, authorities ruled — before he could face trial on federal sex charges. But questions over his alleged masterminding of a sex ring where powerful men were provided with underaged girls only grew.

Trump and several of his key supporters had previously assured their right-wing followers that they would push for the full disclosure of all evidence tied to Epstein, including information on his supposed clientele.

But since assuming office in January, Trump has worked vigorously to suppress the matter.

The scandal resurfaced sharply following the release of emails, obtained through a congressional subpoena, from Epstein’s estate. The correspondence between Epstein and his associates, along with other documents, indicates that Trump maintained close ties with the financier, though he has not been accused of any illegal behavior

The House of Representatives is now expected to vote as soon as next week on compelling the Justice Department to publish its Epstein-related records.

Those documents may contain significantly more damaging material than previously made public regarding Epstein’s connections to his network, which over the years included figures ranging from Trump to Britain’s former prince Andrew.

If a US House majority votes for the release, the Republican-controlled Senate would still have to give its approval and Trump would then also need to sign the bill.

Trump on Friday made clear he does not want the effort to proceed.

“Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!” he wrote. “Don’t waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run!”