The Epstein files are such a big thing because releasing them was a major part of Trump’s campaign and calling their opponents and people they don’t like pedophiles is a big Republican tactic (it’s part of the “think of the children!” tactic they love to use). He made a huge stink about how all the politicians in Washington were in the files and that’s why they wouldn’t release them, and that when he became President, he’d release them and show the whole country how we’re being led by a bunch of pedophiles (with some implied “that’s why they support LGBTQ people” thrown in there).

He created an entire cult who care only about the ring of Jewish pedophiles who secretly run the world or whatever, and they made it their entire personality. Their glorious leader actually being one of the people listed in there would crack a foundational pillar of their worldview. I’d say “if they even believe that it’s true and not a liberal lie”, but Republicans are doing a damn good job of openly stating that he is definitely in there and that’s why they won’t release them.