The Onion

(Washington DC) As questions mount about trump’s involvement in the Epstein files, and the failure to release them, sources inside the White House say those with known or potential sex tapes are becoming increasingly concerned of their release.

The trump administration, known for its savvy in distracting the media and public, has grown desperate to change headlines, making claims as wide-ranging as demanding Coca Cola change its formulation, to extorting major league football teams. Yet the media, and public, remain fixated on the Epstein files.

“It’s very concerning,” said one blond press staffer who asked not to be named. “We hope the president will attack another country, like New Mexico, but a lot of people [in the administration] are saying a sex tape is the way to go. We were all made to submit any incriminating material when applying, and there are several of the tapes I submitted that could be painful to release.”

“Yes, we’re all concerned,” said one latino staff member in the state department. “I have material out there that’s pretty bad-looking, but given the late hour it was shot, you can tell that pony is only tired, not drugged, and everything is consensual. Still, it would look bad, even though as I said everything was consensual.”

Members of the media agree the tactic may work. “Would I replace the Epstein headlines with a sex tape story,” said one, “let me look at a list of department heads. No, no, yes, maybe, no, maybe on a bet, hell no… I’ll admit I had a dream about this one so maybe. I have to admit, it depends on the person and the tape.”

Only time will tell how the administration will continue to buy time until the scandal blows over. The president’s office was unavailable for comment, reportedly due to increasing tensions with New Mexico.

(Washington DC) As Republicans scramble to justify not releasing the Epstein files after campaigning heavily on their release, more concerning news has come from the White House that the president has begun referring to himself as “Doctor trump.” Multiple White House staff, who ask not to be named, say the president’s staff has requested all White House personnel use the new title when in his presence.

“We think a real doctor left a stethoscope in the Oval Office,” said one, “and he started playing with it… either that or he was commenting on how smart it sounds to say doctor when you have a PhD… look, we can only say he says he’s a doctor, and we’ve been told to play along.”

When questioned, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new change. “The president is the doctor America needs,” she said at a fundraising event for a golden calf statue being planned for the White House Christmas. “The main stream media should go back to school, to try to keep up with the most brilliant leader of the free world.” She would not answer questions about what kind of doctor trump claimed to be, only saying, “he is the best kind of doctor, that’s all that matters.”

Trump was also vague about the title at his golf course in New Jersey on Saturday, while taking break from golfing in Florida. “I could be a doctor of golf, if I wanted… the Masters… only the Masters, I could play in the Doctors, it’s better than the Masters, I’ll show you, the Saudis did it, it’s very classic. Oh, what kind of doctor am I? Well why don’t you guess a few times, I don’t think you can get it but you can try.” He rebuffed many attempts by the press to guess, pausing only briefly before denying ‘Ultra-Money-Making’ as his specialty.

Democrats responded sharply, by stating that the title of Doctor is not something to be trifled with, and pointing out the many Democrats with actual doctorates or medical degrees. But some political watchers note that complaining, a common Democratic tactic, does not seem to hinder the president from doing what he wants.

Trump was still referring to himself as “Doctor trump” at newstime.

(Washington DC) As questions swirl about the Epstein files, DC locals have noticed a new rental listing in the area: the White House. The official White House web page lists availability and pricing to stay a night in the famous bedrooms on the property. Several rooms are already booked for weeks at a time, even with pricing sometimes reaching $1 million per night (including DC area room taxes and fees). Opinions are mixed on the legality and even value of the listings.

“This is a novelty purchase,” said one sheik who asked not to be identified. “One must usually be a head of state to stay here, but now, at last, the ultra rich can add their importance to the building.”

“I have rented the Lincoln Bedroom for a week,” he added. “It’s supposed to be haunted. At the price I am paying, I hope the soft moans of Karoline Leavitt will be heard outside the room, if you know what I mean.”

Other parties are eager for the rooms as well. Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russian intelligence, says “we have little need for additional ears in the White House, but we have rented some rooms as a show of support to the current administration.” His show of support is being echoed by parties all over the world, eager show their interest in the needs of the president.

“I hear Xi Jinping was browsing the website,” trump mentioned in a press briefing, supposedly about US sharing of nuclear technology but which quickly became a sales pitch for the plan. “I’m not saying any of you can afford it, but certainly you can show this to your business owners…. Not you, Kristen, Rupert [Murdoch] already has a room.”

Some on the left are concerned about the program, and especially the “loyalty points” program rumored to be attached to the stay. Per Anderson Cooper: “100,000 points and ‘we pardon any problems with your stay,’ I’m hearing. I feel we should really bring that up with an adult, if one is left in the room.”

No adults could be reached by newstime.