CNN Inside Politics Smile! You're In an Epstein Photo!
Dec 12, 2025
Kristen Holmes, CNN's White House correspondent, dives into the fallout from newly released Epstein photos featuring high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. She discusses the White House's defense and Trump's distancing from Epstein. Political analyst Aaron Blake provides context on public polls reflecting distrust toward Trump and the GOP amid these revelations. Together, they explore the intricate dance of politics swirling around these controversial images.
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Photos Reveal Epstein's Broad Social Circle
- Democrats released 19 photos from Epstein-related files that show many powerful men in his orbit, but none depict sexual misconduct or underage girls.
- Timing, origin, and context of the images remain unclear, leaving questions about their significance and intent.
Transparency Versus Cherry-Picking Debate
- Oversight Democrats argue transparency is the goal and plan to demand full files by the DOJ's December 19 deadline.
- Republicans accuse Democrats of cherry-picking 19 images from over 95,000 documents.
White House Messaging Aims To Contain Fallout
- The White House seeks to downplay Epstein ties to protect President Trump, saying he cut ties in the early 2000s and faces no legal accusations.
- Photos including Steve Bannon complicate messaging because of known past associations and media coverage.
