President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism from his MAGA base and other "America First" Republicans after sharing a Truth Social post praising attorney Alan Dershowitz as a "Great American Patriot."

Dershowitz, a longtime lawyer and cable news commentator, is known for representing high-profile and controversial clients, including Jim Bakker and Harvey Weinstein. He was also part of the legal team for Jeffrey Epstein, helping negotiate the widely condemned 2006 non-prosecution agreement that allowed Epstein to avoid serious federal charges with minimal consequences. Dershowitz later served on President Trump's legal defense team during his first Senate impeachment trial in early 2020, arguing that abuses of power not rising to statutory crimes were not impeachable offenses.

On Wednesday, Trump's official Truth Social account promoted Dershowitz's new book, Why I Quit the Dems: And You Should Too, which details his departure from the Democratic Party and his reluctant alignment with Republicans.

"The Highly Respected Alan Dershowitz has written a powerful new book, 'Why I quit the Dems and so should you! (confessions of a reluctant Republican*)," the post stated. "Alan is a Great American Patriot who understands the Wisdom and Courage it takes to defend Democracy from Communism, and it is our Honor to welcome him into the Party of COMMON SENSE! There are many others, like Alan, who feel abandoned by the Radical Left Dumocrats, and are fleeing the Dumocrat Party, and Blue States, for FREEDOM — This Book is for you."

The post, originally shared Tuesday night, spread rapidly on X, where it was met with strong disapproval from many conservative and MAGA-aligned accounts. Critics have expressed frustration over what they perceive as Trump's insufficient transparency regarding the Epstein files, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced as a flashpoint between the president and elements of his base.

Rep. Thomas Massie, the outgoing Republican congressman who was primaried following his criticism of the president, was among the most prominent voices to respond.

"Trump expands his base by welcoming Epstein's lawyer Alan Dershowitz into MAGA. This should work out great for the midterms," Massie wrote on X, accompanied by the widely known "This Is Fine" meme.

https://x.com/RepThomasMassie/status/2084993583245869478

Buckley Carlson, son of Tucker Carlson and a former staffer for JD Vance, responded sarcastically on X: "'THE Highly Respected' Alan Dershowitz," attributing the quote to "Donald Trump, world-renowned military strategist, Economist, Ethicist, & Deacon."

https://x.com/buckleycarlson/status/2085044537659990331

Kacee Allen, formerly associated with a Republican podcast, posted: "You can't make this up. Trump just called Jeffrey Epstein's former lawyer Alan Dershowitz 'highly respected' and endorsed his new book. I'm sure there's no connection between the Trump administration covering up the Epstein files and Trump staying on good terms with ALL of Epstein's former associates. This is the Epstein Administration."

https://x.com/KaceeRAllen/status/2085013314015289824

Numerous additional responses from self-identified conservative and MAGA accounts characterized Trump's post as "gross," "crazy," and "evil," with some accusing him of "treason" and labeling him a "sleazy traitor."

Trump expands his base by welcoming Epstein's lawyer Alan Dershowitz into MAGA. This should work out great for the midterms. pic.twitter.com/6cG4u4mTK2 — Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) August 5, 2026