Bulwark Takes: What We Don’t Know About the Epstein Case (w/ Julie K. Brown)

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Bill Kristol and Julie K. Brown
Podcast: Bulwark on Sunday

Introduction

In the July 14, 2025 episode of Bulwark on Sunday, host Bill Kristol engages in a profound conversation with renowned investigative reporter Julie K. Brown. Brown, celebrated for her exhaustive reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case, delves into the complexities and unresolved questions surrounding Epstein’s criminal activities and subsequent legal maneuvers.

Julie K. Brown’s Investigation and Motivation

Julie K. Brown discusses her relentless pursuit of the Epstein case, highlighting her initial motivations and the obstacles she faced.

"I decided to reopen it because there were still many questions and a feeling that the victims did not get justice."
(02:15)

Brown explains that her interest was piqued during Trump’s presidential campaign, particularly concerning a civil lawsuit accusing Trump and Epstein of rape. This led her to meticulously examine the voluminous criminal case files from Epstein's 2008 plea deal, uncovering numerous inconsistencies and potential cover-ups.

Challenges in the Initial Epstein Case

The conversation sheds light on the 2008 plea deal negotiated by then-Attorney General Bondi, which Brown critiques as overly lenient.

"It was a very cushy plea deal for Epstein, and it's amazing he even got that short jail term."
(04:05)

Brown emphasizes the minimal charges Epstein faced despite the gravity of his crimes, attributing this to influential figures like Kenneth Starr who pressured the Justice Department to downgrade the case.

Reopening the Case and New Discoveries

Brown recounts her investigative journey, which unearthed new testimonies and evidence previously overlooked or suppressed.

"I was able to get the victims to talk, which they had never spoken to the media publicly before."
(03:48)

Her reporting revealed that key officials, including the initial police chief and lead detective, had never been interviewed, suggesting a systematic effort to silence further investigation.

Government Response and Transparency Issues

The discussion critiques the current Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files, particularly the statements made by Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel.

"They released a prison video that wasn't even of his cell, making it ineffective in proving suicide."
(05:31)

Brown argues that the lack of transparency and the dismissal of legitimate questions contribute to public distrust, especially given the high-profile connections Epstein maintained, including with former President Trump.

Connections to High-Profile Figures

A significant portion of the conversation explores Epstein's associations with powerful individuals, notably Donald Trump, and the implications of these relationships.

"Trump's statement from 2002 shows it was an open secret he had questionable tastes."
(13:16)

While Brown clarifies that there is no direct evidence linking Trump to Epstein's sex trafficking operations, she stresses the importance of releasing more information to uncover the breadth of Epstein's network.

Current State and Public Reaction

Kristol and Brown express frustration over the limited indictments stemming from the Epstein case, with only Maxwell being convicted in 2021 and Epstein’s controversial death in 2019.

"The public should be outraged that there's only been two people charged in this case."
(11:11)

They discuss the potential political motivations behind the Justice Department's decisions, suggesting that powerful interests may have influenced the lack of further prosecutions.

Impact on Victims and the Pursuit of Justice

Brown poignantly highlights the enduring trauma faced by Epstein’s victims and the necessity for thorough investigations to provide them with closure.

"The victims deserve to know why Jeffrey Epstein was allowed to abuse hundreds of girls and young women over two decades."
(34:17)

She critiques the Justice Department for seemingly prioritizing political considerations over the victims' quest for justice, emphasizing that their suffering should drive accountability.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of the Epstein case for governmental accountability and the integrity of the Justice Department. Brown reiterates the need for continued investigative efforts to fully uncover the extent of Epstein's network and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to go largely unpunished.

"There are so many avenues of inquiry, and the victims deserve some answers on this."
(34:17)

Kristol and Brown agree that without transparency and a genuine commitment to justice, similar cases of power abuse may continue unchecked, undermining public trust in governmental institutions.

Key Takeaways

• Persistent Pursuit: Julie K. Brown’s dedication reopens critical questions about the Epstein case.
• Systemic Failures: The initial handling of Epstein's crimes reflects significant shortcomings within the Justice Department.
• High-Profile Connections: Epstein’s associations with influential figures like Donald Trump raise concerns about accountability.
• Victims’ Trauma: The enduring impact on victims underscores the need for comprehensive justice.
• Demand for Transparency: Public mistrust stems from perceived cover-ups and lack of clear communication from authorities.

This episode of Bulwark on Sunday underscores the enduring complexities of the Epstein case, advocating for unwavering investigative journalism and governmental accountability to ensure that justice is truly served for the victims.