Mike Bentz, a former State Department official and investigative journalist, expressed concerns that the Trump administration is running out of time to reveal government corruption, especially with the midterm elections approaching in November. He noted that, unless there is a “stronger push for transparency,” many of Trump’s supporters might not back Republicans during these elections.
Bentz, who was part of President Trump’s initial administration and is now the executive director of the Freedom Online Foundation, remarked in an interview that there were undoubtedly positive outcomes during Trump’s earlier months in office. However, he sensed frustration among the base regarding the management of the Epstein files.
He raised a pivotal question: “The base doesn’t even want to vote Democratic. But will their dissatisfaction lead them to stay home?” He suggested that it’s crucial for the administration to tap back into the energy they had at the start of Trump’s term rather than reflecting on the past year.
Moreover, Bentz pointed out that Trump’s supporters are seeking more significant changes over the past four years, not just economic improvements. This encompasses calls for transparency concerning agencies like USAID, the State Department, and the FBI, along with ongoing revelations related to Russiagate and other controversies involving former intelligence officials.
He stressed the significance of the Epstein files, which were released due to a bipartisan effort initiated under Trump’s signature, revealing unexpected details. Yet, he remarked on the “collective obsession” surrounding these files, attributing it to a lack of impactful disclosures in general.
Bentz asserted that there should be ample information available from various agencies, emphasizing that the focus should not solely be on the Epstein file. He voiced his belief that people should feel reassured about trusting these institutions again, emphasizing that the anticipated reforms and accountability have been lacking.
He identified several agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and Department of Justice, as candidates for investigation, pointing out the necessity for a comprehensive historical account. He reasoned that if more records were made public, they would attract attention more than the Epstein case alone.
When prompted to specify what he wanted uncovered, Bentz mentioned the Arctic Frost investigation and also called for revelations regarding censorship and the ongoing Ukraine situation. He highlighted critical global political dynamics in countries like Poland and France, stating that now is an essential moment for transparency, as opportunities like this don’t come often.
In closing, he asserted, “I think now is the time. Otherwise, the moment will be lost.”
