The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle The Nightcap: 'This might be a bridge too far.' Trump struggles to shift the focus as Epstein fallout engulfs administration, GOP
9 snips
Jul 26, 2025 
In this engaging roundtable, Matt K. Lewis, a contributing columnist and author, joins Pablo Torre, an ESPN analyst, Joel Payne, a strategic Democratic voice, and Sami Sage, co-founder of Betches. They delve into Trump’s struggles to divert attention from the Epstein scandal and the implications for the GOP. The conversation also touches on Trump's pressures on the Federal Reserve's Jerome Powell regarding interest rates, along with how media and comedy challenge the administration amid these controversies.
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Epstein Fallout Tests Trump's Base
- Trump's attempts to distract from Epstein-related issues are failing, causing discomfort even among his base.
- This crisis challenges the core credibility of his promise to expose the "deep state" abuses.
Trump's Failures Aid Democrats' Message
- Trump tying his economic failures to protecting wealthy friends highlights a messaging advantage for Democrats.
- His priorities appear out of touch with the needs of ordinary people, strengthening Democratic arguments.
Epstein Fallout Sparks Right-Wing Split
- Trump's credibility is declining among elite opinion leaders and parts of his base.
- Epstein revelations allow right-wing influencers to challenge him from within, signaling a leadership shift.
