Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "These Epstein Polls Are Brutal for Trump"

Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Will Salatan
Guest: Sam Stein, Managing Editor

Introduction to the Epstein-Trump Polls

In the July 30, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Will Salatan engages in a candid discussion with Sam Stein, the managing editor, about recent polling data concerning former President Donald Trump and his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The conversation delves into public opinion, the methodology of the polls, and the broader implications for Trump's political standing.

Public Awareness and Attention to the Epstein-Trump Connection

Will Salatan initiates the conversation by highlighting the sustained media frenzy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump's occasional remarks distancing himself from Epstein. He introduces recent polls conducted by reputable organizations like the Washington Post, YouGov, and Emerson, aiming to gauge American sentiments on the matter.

Sam Stein reflects on the unexpected depth of public engagement, particularly given the bizarre conspiracy theories entwined with the Epstein narrative.

“...it's involving an actual convicted sex offender, involves, you know, incredible conspiracy theories that relate to, you know, satanic pedophile rings that run the government. I mean, it's like insane stuff.”
— Sam Stein [00:49]

The Washington Post poll reveals that a significant 64% of Americans are following the Epstein-Trump saga closely, with 26% tracking it "a lot" and 38% "somewhat." An additional 24% are intermittently following the story, while only 11% are entirely disengaged.

Poll Methodology and Credibility

Will Salatan expresses initial skepticism about the poll's legitimacy due to its reliance on text messaging. However, upon reviewing the methodology, he acknowledges the use of a panel-based approach, which enhances the poll's credibility.

“We can believe some of that.”
— Will Salatan [02:44]

This acceptance underscores the reliability of the findings, allowing both hosts to delve deeper into the poll results without dismissing their validity.

Key Findings: Public Perception of Trump and Epstein

1. Embarrassing Information About Trump

A pivotal question from the Washington Post poll assessed whether respondents believe the Epstein files contain embarrassing information about Trump. The results were particularly striking among Republicans:

• Democrats and Independents: Majority believe there is embarrassing information.
• Republicans: Nearly split, with 31% affirming and 30% denying.

“He's been pretty well known at this point that he was on the, on the flight logs... maybe not totally surprised by that.”
— Sam Stein [03:16]

This near-even split among Republicans challenges the assumption that party allegiance would strongly defend Trump unfailingly.

2. Belief in Epstein's Death by Suicide vs. Murder

The poll further explored beliefs surrounding Epstein's death:

• Majority (Approximately 40%) believe Epstein was murdered.
• 15% accept the medical examiner's ruling of suicide.

Sam Stein shares a personal anecdote, revealing how close associates are increasingly subscribing to conspiracy theories about Epstein's death.

“I've got a very close relative... just totally buying into the conspiracies.”
— Sam Stein [05:04]

Will Salatan adopts an Occam's Razor perspective, suggesting that while suicide is plausible, the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death raise credible suspicions.

“He hung himself. They have the evidence of it. Right, but you kind of bridged it with your theory.”
— Will Salatan [07:05]

3. Perception of Trump's Involvement in Epstein's Crimes

A YouGov poll question inquires whether Donald Trump was involved in the crimes allegedly committed by Epstein:

• All Adults: 46% yes, 32% no.
• Registered Voters: 44% yes, 35% no.
• Whites: 39% yes, 37% no.
• Independents: 47% yes, 23% no.

“Was the President involved in crimes with the most notorious child sex trafficker of our era... Yes. That's wild.”
— Sam Stein [08:18]

These figures indicate a troubling level of suspicion towards Trump, transcending partisan lines and suggesting a broader erosion of trust.

4. Government Cover-Up of Epstein Evidence

Another YouGov poll question probes beliefs about a governmental cover-up:

• Democrats and Independents: Overwhelmingly believe in a cover-up.
• Republicans: 45% yes, 26% no.
• Trump Voters: 50% yes, 21% no.

Notably, there is a decline among Republicans' belief in a cover-up compared to previous weeks (down 8 points in the "yes" column).

Implications for Trump's Political Standing

The polls reveal a dramatic decline in approval of Trump's handling of the Epstein files:

• Overall Approval: 16%
• Disapproval: 58%
• No Opinion: 26%

Among Republicans specifically:

• Approve: 38%
• No Opinion: 38%
• Disapprove: 24%

“He told them, I'm going to get this stuff out for you. ... I keep all my promises apparently. Except this one.”
— Will Salatan [10:59]

These numbers are particularly bleak given Trump's historical strong support base within the Republican Party, where approval ratings are typically much higher.

Media and Public Interest

Despite Trump's attempts to downplay and dismiss the Epstein story, the persistent public interest—as evidenced by the polling data—ensures that the narrative remains a significant media focus.

“If I'm in the media, I'm seeing like, this is big traffic for us. People are really interested in it...”
— Will Salatan [12:18]

Sam Stein concurs, emphasizing that although Trump seeks to quell the story, its entrenchment in public discourse prevents it from fading easily.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Epstein Polls on Trump

The episode of Bulwark Takes unpacks the unsettling reality that substantial portions of the American public, including traditional Republican voters, are harboring doubts and suspicions regarding Donald Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The polling data not only challenges Trump's narrative but also underscores the complexities of public opinion in the wake of enduring scandals. As the discussion concludes, both Salatan and Stein acknowledge the resilience of the Epstein narrative in the public sphere and its potential long-term ramifications for Trump’s legacy and the broader political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's unbelievable that among Republicans, members are willing to say, yeah, he probably had some shady stuff happening...”
  — Sam Stein [03:16]

• “This is wild... was the President involved in crimes with the most notorious child sex trafficker of our era, maybe of all time? Yes.”
  — Sam Stein [08:18]

• “He keeps saying things like, oh, there's nothing there. Why are you. Why do you keep talking about this? It's all Democratic hoax.”
  — Will Salatan [11:13]

This summary is intended to provide an in-depth overview of the "Bulwark Takes" episode for those who have not listened, capturing the critical discussions and insights shared by Will Salatan and Sam Stein.