GD POLITICS Podcast Summary
Episode: Trump's Slide Probably Isn't About Epstein
Host: Galen Druke
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of the GD POLITICS podcast, host Galen Druke delves into the recent decline in Donald Trump's approval ratings, examining whether the Jeffrey Epstein scandal is the primary catalyst. Alongside his co-hosts, Mary Radcliffe and Nathaniel Rakic, Galen navigates discussions on the economy, national debt, and the looming redistricting battles in Texas and California.
Trump’s Declining Approval and the Epstein Scandal
Galen opens the discussion by highlighting reports linking Trump's declining approval ratings to the Epstein files controversy:
"Trump fumes that Epstein mess as polls reveal big GOP revolt." (00:18)
Current polls indicate Trump's approval rating has slid from around net negative 6-7 to approximately net negative 10. Specifically, recent Quinnipiac polls show:
- 17% of voters approve of Trump's handling of the Epstein files.
- 63% disapprove.
Breaking it down by affiliation:
- 40% of Republicans approve.
- 2% of Democrats approve.
- 11% of Independents approve.
Mary Radcliffe counters the direct correlation between the Epstein scandal and Trump's overall declining approval:
"I think it's not data... the most important issues driving the news are more related to economic issues and immigration." (04:05)
She references YouGov and CBS News polls indicating that while the Epstein case matters to voters, it's less significant compared to issues like inflation and immigration.
Nathaniel Rakic concurs, emphasizing the lack of substantial data linking Epstein directly to the approval dip:
"I agree that it is not data... when you take a bigger step back... that disapproval number being just a little bit north of 50%." (07:35)
The trio concludes that economic factors and immigration are more influential in Trump's declining approval than the Epstein scandal.
Economic Concerns and Voter Priorities
The conversation shifts to the state of the U.S. economy, where:
- Inflation remains a modest concern but is expected to rise.
- Tariffs are anticipated, influencing the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.
- National Debt discussions have intensified among economists.
Mary Radcliffe notes that while Americans express concern about the national debt when asked directly, it doesn't rank as a top issue compared to personal financial matters like inflation and cost of living:
"In a recent Fox News poll... 27% of people mentioned something about inflation and cost of living." (25:01)
Galen Druke highlights the shift in approval ratings related to economic performance, contrasting Trump's first term with the current administration:
"Americans are not feeling the same way about the Trump economy 2.0 that they felt about the Trump economy 1.0." (18:28)
Nathaniel Rakic supports this by pointing out that the current administration lacks the honeymoon period Trump experienced, leading to a steady decline in approval tied to economic dissatisfaction:
"Inflation is Trump's worst issue... the most salient issue is probably the thing exerting the most downward gravitational pull on his approval rating." (18:57)
Redistricting Battles in Texas and California
The episode transitions to the strategic redistricting efforts in Texas and the potential retaliatory moves by California's Governor Gavin Newsom.
Nathaniel Rakic explains Texas Republicans' motivation to redraw congressional maps mid-decade to retain House seats:
"Under the current maps, Republicans are almost certainly going to lose the House in 2026... Republicans are in process [to redraw the maps]." (33:54)
Key points include:
- Texas Republicans aim to secure up to four additional seats through gerrymandering.
- Mary Radcliffe adds that similar efforts in California face significant legal and logistical challenges due to the state's independent redistricting commission.
Gavin Newsom's response poses the question of whether California can mirror Texas' tactics, but Nathaniel Rakic assesses the improbability given California's legal framework:
"Both options... lead to a very compressed timetable and legal hurdles... not going to happen." (42:16)
The discussion underscores the partisan tension surrounding redistricting and its impact on future House control.
Federal Reserve Independence Under Threat
A segment addresses President Trump's threats to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, questioning the Fed's independence:
- Recent polls show mixed perceptions of Powell's actions, with 43% viewing his decisions as economically genuine and 38% attributing them to political bias.
Mary Radcliffe highlights the YouGov and CBS News findings that 68% believe the Fed should remain independent from presidential influence:
"YouGov, CBS, in their survey yesterday... 68% said the Fed should be independent from Donald Trump." (29:36)
Galen Druke emphasizes the potential consequences of undermining the Fed's independence, comparing it to historical precedents where political interference led to economic instability:
"...abolishing an independent Fed could lead to inflation levels like we see in places like Argentina and Turkey." (28:13)
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Galen Druke summarizing the multifaceted issues affecting Trump's approval ratings, emphasizing that while the Epstein scandal garners media attention, economic factors and immigration policies are the primary drivers of his declining popularity. Additionally, the strategic redistricting efforts in Texas highlight the ongoing partisan battles that could shape future congressional control. The threats to Federal Reserve independence further complicate the political landscape, signaling potential economic repercussions.
Galen encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast for more in-depth analyses and discussions on pressing political topics.
Notable Quotes:
- Galen Druke: "If you can't beat them, join them." (00:18)
- Mary Radcliffe: "It's about the economy and immigration, not the Epstein scandal." (04:05)
- Nathaniel Rakic: "This is not data linking Epstein directly to Trump's approval decline." (07:35)
- Mary Radcliffe: "Americans care about their pocketbook more than the national debt." (25:01)
- Galen Druke: "Americans are not feeling the same way about the Trump economy 2.0 that they felt about the Trump economy 1.0." (18:28)
- Nathaniel Rakic: "Republicans can secure up to four additional seats in Texas through redistricting." (33:54)
- Mary Radcliffe: "No clear path for California to retaliate against Texas' redistricting." (42:16)
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.