Bulwark Takes: Republicans Shield Trump from Epstein Investigation Release Date: August 5, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Will Sommer delve into the recent developments surrounding the Epstein investigation, highlighting the political maneuvers that appear to shield former President Donald Trump from scrutiny. The discussion is both insightful and critical, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape concerning one of the most controversial figures in recent history.

1. Introduction to the Epstein Subpoenas

[00:00 - 01:06]

Sam Stein opens the conversation by introducing the primary topic: James Comer, the chair of the House committee overseeing the investigation, has issued subpoenas for several key figures linked to the Epstein saga. Stein emphasizes the high-profile nature of the individuals on the list and hints at a particularly noteworthy name that will be discussed later in the episode.

Sam Stein: “We call that a tease. I'm not going to give you this person's name quite right now.” [00:15]

Will Sommer concurs, noting the dynamics at play within the Republican Party and the influence of House Democrats in pushing forward the subpoenas.

Will Sommer: “Clearly Democrats were, you know, they thought they had enough Republicans they could peel off to make this happen.” [01:06]

2. Detailed Breakdown of Subpoenaed Individuals

[01:17 - 02:11]

Stein provides an extensive list of the individuals who have been subpoenaed, including former U.S. Attorneys General like Bill Barr and Eric Holder, former FBI Directors Robert Mueller and James Comey, and notably, former Secretaries of State Bill and Hillary Clinton. He also mentions subpoenas for records from the Justice Department, set to be produced by August 19.

Sam Stein: “Former U.S Attorney General Bill Barr, former U.S Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez... former President Bill Clinton.” [01:17]

Will Sommer brings attention to the conspicuous absence of Donald Trump from the list, highlighting a potential strategic decision by the committee.

Will Sommer: “One longtime Jeffrey Epstein friend is missing, named Donald Trump.” [02:04]

3. Analysis of the Subpoena List

[02:11 - 02:49]

The hosts discuss the underlying reasons for the selection of subpoenaed individuals. Sommer suggests that the move appears to be a tactical deflection, steering the investigation towards the Clintons rather than focusing on Trump.

Will Sommer: “It seems to me like a real attempt to deflect any heat from Trump and try this about the Clintons.” [02:14]

Stein scrutinizes the relevance of some names on the list, questioning their direct connection to the Epstein investigations.

Sam Stein: “Those aren't the names that spring to mind when you talk about, like, weird Epstein stuff or unexplained situations.” [02:49]

4. The Role of Alex Acosta

[04:12 - 06:36]

Shifting the focus to Alex Acosta, Stein underscores his pivotal role in the Epstein case. Acosta, the U.S. Attorney in the District of Florida, was responsible for prosecuting Epstein in 2007. The hosts explore the controversial "sweetheart deal" that allowed Epstein to evade significant prosecution, a decision that later led to Acosta's resignation amid public backlash.

Will Sommer: “He was involved in that. And then this flared up again because he, in the first Trump administration was the Labor Secretary.” [05:35]

Stein highlights the DOJ's 2020 affirmation that Acosta had let Epstein off too easily and discusses Acosta’s current position on the board of Newsmax, a media company that has become a stronghold for the "Free Galen" movement.

Sam Stein: “He'd give him the middle finger so fast.” [06:23]

5. Subpoenas Targeting the Clintons

[06:36 - 09:53]

The conversation transitions to the subpoenas issued to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Stein expresses skepticism over the necessity of targeting the Clintons, considering the abundance of other high-profile individuals linked to Epstein, such as Alan Dershowitz.

Sam Stein: “They have a relationship with Epstein. ... They could have added some names to this. This is the language of the subpoena.” [06:51]

He reads excerpts from the subpoenas, detailing the specific allegations and connections between the Clintons and Epstein, including Bill Clinton's private flights on Epstein's plane and alleged pressure on Vanity Fair regarding sex trafficking allegations.

Sam Stein: “The subpoena for Hillary Clinton reads this. ... Ghislaine Maxwell's nephew is the basis for this subpoena for Hillary Clinton.” [08:43]

Will Sommer agrees that the connection made through Ghislaine Maxwell's nephew feels tenuous and points out the lack of substantial evidence linking him to key conspiracy elements.

Will Sommer: “But a bit of a stretch. ... Ghislaine's nephew has been portrayed as this... important figure in the conspiracy.” [08:53]

6. Speculations on Future Developments

[09:11 - 09:53]

As the discussion nears its conclusion, Stein wonders whether the committee will expand its subpoenas to include other notable figures like Cash Patel or Pam Bondi. Sommer suggests that the current actions represent a limited disclosure designed to divert attention rather than provide concrete answers.

Will Sommer: “This strikes me as, you know, into a limited hangout. ... trying to divert things over to the Clintons.” [09:11]

Stein anticipates ongoing conflicts between the Department of Justice and Congress, with the former likely resisting the release of sensitive files by citing ongoing investigations.

Sam Stein: “They say, no, this is ongoing. ... we can't possibly complicate the... investigation.” [09:34]

7. Conclusion and Looking Ahead

[09:53 - End]

Stein wraps up the episode by expressing his anticipation for further discussions on the Epstein files and the implications of the recent subpoenas. He encourages listeners to subscribe to the feed for more in-depth conversations on this evolving story.

Sam Stein: “Subscribe to the feed so you can get more conversations like this and we will talk to you soon.” [09:53]

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Subpoenas: The issued subpoenas appear to strategically target the Clintons, potentially as a move to divert attention from Donald Trump.

• Alex Acosta's Controversial Role: Acosta's involvement in the Epstein case and his subsequent career moves remain a focal point, raising questions about accountability and influence.

• Limited Disclosure: The committee's actions suggest a cautious approach to the investigation, possibly to manage political fallout and control the narrative surrounding Epstein's network.

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of the political strategies at play in the ongoing Epstein investigation, highlighting the intricate interplay between justice and political maneuvering.