Majority of Americans Believe Trump Attacked Iran to Distract from Epstein Scandal

A new survey has revealed that many Americans believe former President Donald Trump ordered recent attacks on Iran partly to divert attention from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The survey, conducted by Drop Site News, Zeteo, and Data for Progress, found that 52% of likely voters agreed with this claim. Forty percent disagreed, and 8% were unsure.

The survey was conducted online with 1,272 likely voters between March 6 and March 8, 2026. The topic has gained attention on social media, where some users have referred to the operation as “Operation Epstein Fury,” a play on Trump’s reported codename “Operation Epic Fury.”

Political and Generational Divides

The belief that the attacks were a distraction varies across political and age groups. Among Democrats, 81% agreed with the claim, while only 14% disagreed. Among voters under 45, 66% supported the view, with 26% in opposition. Even about one-quarter of Republicans shared the belief, showing that the idea crosses party lines.

Americans Divided on Israel’s Influence

The survey also asked Americans about Trump’s responsiveness to Israel in the attacks. Forty-seven percent said Trump acted in the interest of American voters, while 46% said he prioritized Israeli interests. Among independents, 50% believed Trump favored Israel, compared to 17% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats. Overall, 50% said the strikes were primarily for American interests, 41% said Israeli interests, and 9% were unsure.

Public Skepticism of the Attacks

Most Americans disapproved of the strikes on Iran. Fifty-five percent said they disapproved, including 39% who strongly disapproved, while 42% said they approved. Many also felt the attacks could negatively affect their lives. Forty-nine percent said their lives would be more difficult, 10% said life would improve, and one-third said it would have no effect.

Electoral Implications

The survey suggested that support for the attacks could influence future elections. Among Democrats, voters said they would be 79% less likely to support candidates who back such aggression in the 2026 congressional elections. Republican voters showed the opposite, being more likely to support pro-war candidates by a net 39 points. In general election scenarios, candidates supporting the strikes could be 19 points less likely to win votes.

Concerns About Iran’s Missile Capabilities

Despite skepticism about the strikes, Americans remain concerned about Iran’s military capabilities. 83% of voters said it was important to prevent Iran from having ballistic missiles capable of hitting Israel. Only 13% believed Iran had the right to defend itself with missiles, and 14% said it was not a US concern.

Awareness of Attack on Girls’ School

The survey also asked about a deadly attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran that killed over 175 people, mostly children. 32% of respondents said they had not heard of it, while 23% heard a little, 29% heard some, and 16% heard a lot. Among those aware, 70% believed the attack was carried out by the US, Israel, or both together.