The Pat Kenny Show Trump calls for a vote to release Epstein files
Nov 17, 2025
Brett Bruen, a former U.S. diplomat and president of the Global Situation Room, joins the discussion on Trump's surprising call for the release of Epstein files. They delve into the political implications of this move, exploring Republican defections and the potential fallout for Trump's support. Bruen also evaluates the ongoing infighting within the MAGA camp, particularly Marjorie Taylor Greene's shifting loyalties. They discuss the significant impact that leaked documents could have on Trump's political future and the long-term repercussions for the Republican Party.
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Episode notes
Republican Rift Weakens Trump
- Brett Bruen says Trump bowed to pressure because losing Republican support would hurt his agenda.
- Trump’s failure to keep Republicans in line exposed political weakness and public embarrassment.
Epstein Files Put Trump Front And Center
- Bruen notes Trump appears repeatedly in Epstein-related emails and is not a minor figure.
- That prominence makes it harder for Trump to redirect blame onto others.
Avoid Politically Opaque Redactions
- Expect redactions to protect victims but avoid broad self-protective edits from Trump.
- Bruen advises it’s politically wiser for Trump to 'rip the Band-Aid off' and not seek heavy redactions.