WASHINGTON, D.C. — The air inside the White House was thick with tension tonight, marking what many political insiders are calling the symbolic end of Donald Trump’s command over his own administration. In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through Washington, President Trump signed the bill to release the Jeffrey Epstein files—a move he had reportedly fought behind closed doors until the bitter end.

But the signing itself was overshadowed by the chaotic scenes that unfolded in the West Wing immediately afterward.

The Press Secretary vanishing act

Just hours after dismissing the Epstein story as a “classic Washington hoax” and a “manufactured news cycle,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was abruptly rushed away from the press corps. In a move that signals deep panic within the administration, the White House called a “lid” for the evening much earlier than usual, effectively shutting down all public operations and removing the press from the premises.

Reporters, who had gathered expecting answers regarding the President’s sudden capitulation on the bill, were left in the dark. Leavitt, who has built a reputation for defending the President at all costs, appeared unwilling or unable to face the barrage of questions regarding why Trump signed a bill he had previously maneuvered to block.

“It shows the panic in the White House,” said political commentator Jack Cocchiarella. “It is why Karoline Leavitt… was rushed away from the press, unable and unwilling to defend Donald Trump.”

A humiliating surrender

The narrative coming from the Oval Office attempts to paint a picture of strength, with Trump tweeting that he “asked” Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leader John Thune to pass the bill. He cited the “almost unanimous” votes as evidence of his leadership.

However, insiders and analysts tell a different story. The reality, according to reports, is that Trump faced a total rebellion from his own party. Realizing that the bill was destined to pass with a veto-proof majority in both the House and the Senate, the President had no choice but to sign it or face a humiliating legislative override.

Lawrence O’Donnell described the moment as Trump putting his “surrender and humiliation in writing.” By trying to claim credit for a bill he opposed, Trump is being accused of insulting the intelligence of his own voters—the very “true believers” who have stuck by him through thick and thin.

The MAGA fracture

Perhaps the most damaging aspect of this entire saga for the President is the fracturing of his base. The push to release the Epstein files wasn’t led solely by Democrats; it saw aggressive support from MAGA stalwarts like Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert.

For the first time in his political career, Trump found himself on the wrong side of his own movement. His base, usually lock-step with his directives, turned their backs on him regarding Epstein, demanding transparency that Trump seemed desperate to avoid.

“He has lost control of his presidency, he has lost control of Congress, and worst of all, he has lost control of his MAGA movement,” Cocchiarella noted.

The “Hoax” that became law

The contradiction between the administration’s rhetoric and its actions has never been starker. Earlier in the day, Leavitt had confidently told reporters that the Epstein narrative was a Democratic playbook designed to “drag the president.” She insisted there was “literally nothing to hide.”

Yet, the frantic clearing of the briefing room and the immediate shutdown of press access suggests otherwise. If there was nothing to hide, and if this was truly a victory for transparency as Trump’s tweet suggested, why flee the podium?

What comes next?

With the bill signed, the clock is now ticking on the release of the documents. The administration’s attempt to control the narrative has failed, and the “lid” called tonight has only fueled further speculation.

For a President who prides himself on strength and control, tonight was a display of weakness. Trump has handed his opponents—and his disillusioned allies—a powerful weapon for the remainder of his term. As Washington waits for the files to drop, one thing is certain: the “unbeatable” aura of the Trump White House has been pierced, and the panic is palpable.