Brief

Trump loyalists split over Epstein, Iran war, say he’s a fraud

Two prominent Trump supporters claim the former president is a fraud after his comments on Epstein and the Iran conflict.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:14:05 GMT

In a move that could signal a shift in the Trump base, two high‑profile members of the President’s “Front Row Joes” loyalists, Trisha Hope and Rick Frazier, have publicly broken away from the group, calling Donald Trump a fraud and a liar. The split follows the former president’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the ongoing war in Iran, according to reports from Politico cited by the Independent.

Disillusionment over Epstein

Hope, a self‑declared “J6 activist” who joined the Joes in 2018, said she lost faith in Trump after he vented his frustrations about Epstein at a July 8 Cabinet meeting. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” Trump fumed at a reporter. “This guy’s been talked about for years.” Hope described the moment as “a dagger in my heart” and said it made her see Trump “for who he was.” She added that she would support an impeachment if the mid‑terms were lost.

Frustration over the Iran war

Hope also cited Trump’s repeated claims that the war in Iran was over 600 times, calling the statements “lies.” She said the president’s war rhetoric and the lack of a clear military strategy had further eroded her support. Frazier, a founding member who has attended more than 100 rallies, echoed these concerns, noting that the Epstein crimes and the “industrial military complex” were “big nos” for him. He said he might not vote in November.

Group remains largely loyal

Despite the split, Frazier stressed that 95 percent of the Front Row Joes remain “unwavering.” Trump praised the group at a July rally in Georgia, describing them as “very rich” and “rock‑concert” style supporters. The split comes as the mid‑term elections approach, raising questions about the loyalty of Trump’s most devoted followers.

Key facts

Trisha Hope and Rick Frazier have left the Front Row Joes group (independent.co.uk)
Hope called Trump a fraud and a liar after a Cabinet meeting on July 8 (independent.co.uk)
Frazier cited Epstein crimes and the Iran war as reasons for leaving (independent.co.uk)
Frazier said 95 percent of the group remain unwavering (independent.co.uk)

Background

The Front Row Joes are a group of devoted MAGA supporters who follow Trump around the country, sleeping outside venues ahead of rallies to secure the best seats. The group has been a visible symbol of Trump’s personal following since the 2016 election.

Timeline

2026-09-22 — Trump threatened Iran at UN Assembly
2026-09-20 — Trump hosted a state dinner with Xi Jinping
2026-09-26 — Trump dubbed the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait”

Why it matters

The departure of prominent loyalists may signal cracks in Trump’s support base ahead of the mid‑term elections, potentially affecting his political influence.