2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin "All of His Friends Were Democrats": Trump Says Jeffrey Epstein "Is Really a Democrat Problem"
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Nov 18, 2025 
Former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley discusses Social Security's future and the necessity of scrapping the payroll cap for solvency. He rejects raising the retirement age, calling it ineffective, and warns about the risks of privatization. O'Malley criticizes Trump’s framing of Jeffrey Epstein's ties as a purely Democratic issue, while also reflecting on his friendship with Gavin Newsom and assessing Baltimore's crime strategies. His insights offer a mix of policy advocacy and personal anecdotes.
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Epstein Dominates The News Cycle
- The Epstein saga dominated the news cycle, squeezing out other stories and intensifying public demand for revelations.
- Mark Halperin notes broad national fascination and pressure on Congress to act quickly on disclosures.
Fix Social Security By Lifting The Cap
- Remove or raise the Social Security payroll cap on high earners to secure benefits long-term.
- Martin O'Malley recommends taxing income above a high threshold to restore solvency without cutting benefits.
Inequality Wears Down Social Security
- Income inequality concentrated earnings above the payroll-tax cap and accelerated depletion of Social Security reserves.
- O'Malley frames the problem as solvable math rather than inevitability.