Apple News Today — December 22, 2025

Episode Title: How the Epstein files raised more questions than answers
Host: Gideon Resnick (in for Shumita Basu)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gideon Resnick leads a review of several major news stories, with a focus on the recent partial release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the Department of Justice. The episode explores growing frustrations among victims, politicians, and journalists with the heavily redacted documents, which have left the public with more questions than answers about Epstein's network and crimes. The show also covers U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil tankers, early movement in the 2028 GOP presidential race, extreme weather in Washington State, issues with Waymo robo-taxis in San Francisco, and the global success of "Zootopia 2."

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. US Military Escalation in the Caribbean (00:05–03:30)

• The US seized oil tankers connected to Venezuela, aiming to pressure President Nicolas Maduro into a political transition.
• Benoit Faucon (Wall Street Journal):
  • "The US Is ratcheting the pressure on Venezuela to come to an agreement... which everyone expects would include some kind of political transition and the departure of Maduro from power." (00:54)
  • US actions are making it difficult for tankers to leave Venezuelan waters, disrupting oil exports crucial to Venezuela's economy.
  • "It's clearly become much more difficult to leave Venezuelan waters...a lot of vessels right now that are basically stuck at Venezuelan ports." (02:07)
• The strategy targets not just Venezuela, but the wider network of countries sanctioned by the US (Iran, Russia, Cuba).

2. The Epstein Files: Redactions and Public Outrage (03:30–07:37)

The Partial Release

• The DOJ released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein after bipartisan pressure, revealing disturbing details of Epstein's crimes and network but offering little fundamentally new information.
• Files are heavily redacted, and some key photos (e.g., of President Trump) were briefly taken down before being restored.

Justice Department’s Stance

• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche:
  • "A judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group if they have any concerns about the material that we're putting up." (04:44)
  • "When we hear concerns... of course we're taking that photograph down and we're going to address it."

Victim Reactions

• Marina Lacerda (Epstein victim):
  • "I think all of us, if I can say, we are infuriated with this, and I feel like it's another slap in our faces... The anxiety that we are having, it's just... running through our blood." (05:22)

Political and Public Backlash

• Lawmakers such as Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) plan to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for the incomplete release.
• Frustrations center on the desire for transparency about the scope of Epstein’s network and more information about high-profile individuals involved.

Media Perspective

• Charlie Warzel (The Atlantic/Galaxy Brain podcast):
  • "People were hoping they were going to get this really panoramic view... what we got instead was a lot of photographs." (06:10)
  • "Bill Clinton seems to be the main character of this release... there was almost no information about Donald Trump." (06:40)
  • "The partial release and just excessive redactions... are actually proof of a bigger scandal. So in releasing the files the way that they have, I think they have actually fanned the flames." (07:12)
• Both Clinton and Trump are pictured in the documents, but neither has been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.

Memorable Takeaways

• The files satisfy almost no one—"too redacted to satisfy anyone" (07:37).

3. 2028 GOP Presidential Primary: JD Vance's Endorsement (07:37–10:34)

• Turning Point USA, now led by Erica Kirk, endorsed Vice President JD Vance as their 2028 presidential pick. The endorsement comes amid ongoing speculation about the GOP’s future after Trump.
• Erica Kirk:
  • "We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected for ’28 in the most resounding way possible.”
• Jonathan Cooper (AP):
  • The event was a mix of tribute to the late Charlie Kirk and strategic leveraging for the post-Trump, post-Kirk conservative movement.
  • "It's been sort of a mix of a tribute to Charlie Kirk...the MAGA movement really trying to find its way forward in the post Trump era." (09:19)
  • Not all attendees are ready to "coronate" Vance; some want a more competitive primary.
  • Infighting was evident. Ben Shapiro criticized Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and right-wing media for dishonesty.
  • "The right wing media ecosystem has a problem with the truth in a lot of ways, with podcasters, influencers lying to their audience and manipulating them..." (10:14)
• Vance is seen as a possible heir, but divisions and "truth problem" in media remain major issues for the party.

4. Other Top Stories Briefly Covered (10:34–13:40)

Extreme Flooding and Federal Funds in Washington State

• Washington received record rainfall, but $182 million in FEMA grants was cut during the Trump administration.
• The state won a summary judgment in court but the money is still undelivered.

Waymo Robo-taxi Blackout in San Francisco

• Power outage caused Waymo's driverless vehicles to malfunction, creating roadblocks and confusion.
• Speculation about whether the issue was power, cellular, or traffic-signal related.

“Zootopia 2” and the Blue Snake Craze

• "Zootopia 2," featuring Gary the talking pit viper (voiced by Ke Huy Quan), is a global hit, especially in China due to the Year of the Snake.
• Demand for blue pit viper plushies and even real snakes surged. Movie success provides a boost for American studios and Chinese regulators alike.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps and Attribution)

• Benoit Faucon (WSJ):

  • "The US is ratcheting the pressure on Venezuela...include some kind of political transition and the departure of Maduro from power." (00:54)
  • "It's clearly become much more difficult to leave Venezuelan waters...a lot of vessels right now...are basically stuck." (02:07)

• Deputy AG Todd Blanche:

  • "A judge in New York has ordered us to listen to any victim or victim rights group if they have any concerns..." (04:44)

• Marina Lacerda (Epstein victim):

  • "We are infuriated with this, and I feel like it's another slap in our faces..." (05:22)

• Charlie Warzel (The Atlantic):

  • "People were hoping they were going to get this really panoramic view of Jeffrey Epstein's life. And what we got instead was a lot of photographs." (06:10)
  • "Bill Clinton seems to be the main character of this release. The photos are very prominent..." (06:40)
  • "I saw a lot of frustration...the partial release and just excessive redactions...is actually proof of a bigger scandal." (07:12)

• Jonathan Cooper (AP):

  • "It's been sort of a mix of a tribute to Charlie Kirk and the conservative movement, the MAGA movement really trying to find its way forward in the post Trump era..." (09:19)
  • "Even people who, like J.D. Vance, don't want him to be coronated as the next nominee." (09:45)
  • "The right wing media ecosystem has a problem with the truth in a lot of ways, with podcasters, influencers lying to their audience and manipulating them..." (10:14)

Key Takeaways

• Epstein files: The recent partial release has frustrated victims and the public due to heavy redactions and perceived lack of new information, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
• GOP 2028 primary: JD Vance emerges as an early favorite, but the Republican Party faces internal conflicts and skepticism about preemptive coronation.
• Venezuela oil seizures: The US is escalating pressure on Maduro, disrupting global oil flows and impacting geopolitical alliances.
• Cultural moments: "Zootopia 2" is a global phenomenon, sparking unexpected trends in merchandise and animal sales.

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