Next Up with Mark Halperin Why the Epstein Story is Sticking, Ro Khanna’s Quest for Answers, and What the Media is Ignoring
Jul 24, 2025
Ro Khanna, a Democrat Congressman from California, pushes for transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein's case, arguing it's vital for accountability. Former strategist Dan Turrentine and journalist Batya Ungar-Sargon join to dissect the media's neglect of crucial political narratives, including Tulsi Gabbard's deep state claims and whether Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss stemmed from external factors or her campaign's shortcomings. They explore how the intertwining of Trump and Epstein impacts both political narratives and public trust in institutions.
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Epstein Story's Political Weight
- The Epstein story persists because of public demand for accountability of elites, especially due to Trump's connection to Epstein.
- Trump's evasive behavior on Epstein signals a unique political vulnerability unlike his past controversies.
Epstein as Symbol of Elite Corruption
- Epstein has become a symbol for elite corruption and lack of accountability across parties.
- Trump's initial promise to release all files, followed by retreat, undermines trust among his base and wider public.
Embrace Full Transparency Now
- Trump should fully embrace transparency by releasing Epstein files to restore trust.
- Partial disclosures only fuel suspicion and prolong the controversy.