Post Reports How Trump’s Epstein woes nearly derailed his spending cuts
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Jul 18, 2025 
Liz Goodwin, a Congressional correspondent for The Washington Post, and Marianna Sotomayor, who covers the House of Representatives, dig into the political chaos surrounding Trump's handling of the Epstein case. They discuss the GOP's internal strife over withheld Epstein files and the implications for party unity. The conversation shifts to a controversial letter allegedly from Trump to Epstein and its legal ramifications. Finally, they tackle the recent cuts to federal funding for public broadcasting and the political fallout associated with them.
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Epstein Story's Persistent Grip
- The Epstein story has persisted unusually long due to its sensational elements like private jets and mysterious suicide.
- Politicians describe the ongoing drama as a political TMZ that people can't stop following.
Epstein Files Stir House Tension
- Epstein became a major House debate issue as Democrats forced Republicans to vote on releasing Epstein files.
- Freedom Caucus members considered joining Democrats to push for file release, creating tension with GOP leadership.
Compromise Through Non-binding Resolution
- Some Freedom Caucus Republicans pushed for transparency to satisfy constituents and agreed to a non-binding resolution.
- The resolution urges but cannot compel the Trump administration to release Epstein files, enough to secure votes for spending cuts.