Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast How "Epstein Email" Politics Shifted Over The Weekend
Nov 17, 2025
Eleanor Mueller, a Congressional reporter at Semafor, dives into the shifting tides of Epstein-related politics. She discusses Trump's surprising reversal on releasing documents, which he now supports after initial opposition. Mueller also breaks down the implications of the emails that reference Trump, including details about a redacted victim and potential criminal liabilities. The conversation touches on the political fallout for Trump and how ongoing investigations could affect document releases, creating a complex web of Capitol Hill intrigue.
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Scope Of Epstein's Crimes
- Jeffrey Epstein ran a vast sex-trafficking network that abused hundreds, including girls as young as 13 and 14.
- Julie K. Brown's reporting established the scale and manipulation Epstein used on vulnerable victims.
Trump's Campaign Hedge On Files
- Donald Trump publicly hedged about releasing Epstein files during his campaign.
- His campaign quote "I'd have no problem with it" was ambiguous and easily repurposed politically.
Political Flip On Release Vote
- Trump's stance shifted from calling Epstein coverage a Democratic hoax to urging House members to release files.
- That flip lets him claim victory politically instead of being outflanked by Republicans favoring release.