IHIP News Podcast Summary

Episode: CPAC Chair Matt Schlapp Caught Groping Men and A Huge MAGA Cover-Up?
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Date: September 27, 2025

Overview

In this episode, progressive podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan tackle the latest scandal involving Matt Schlapp, the Chairman of CPAC. They analyze allegations of sexual misconduct against Schlapp, the broader issues of hypocrisy within the MAGA movement, and disturbing trends of cover-ups among conservative leaders. Bringing their signature comedic yet incisive tone, the hosts discuss the right-wing response to public figures' controversies and the moral contradictions at the heart of the movement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matt Schlapp’s History of Alleged Sexual Misconduct

• Pierce Morgan’s CPAC Panel:

  • Matt Schlapp appears on Piers Morgan’s show, discussing the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel and the MAGA response. (01:20)
  • Host Jennifer points out Schlapp’s hypocrisy and recurring presence in media despite multiple allegations.

• Schlapp’s Alleged Assaults:

  • In January 2023, a Herschel Walker campaign staffer accused Schlapp of groping him. Lawsuits ensued, and records supported the claims. (02:18)
  • By August 2023, Schlapp reportedly tried to settle one lawsuit for a six-figure sum. That same month, additional assault accusations against male staffers surfaced.
  • CPAC was accused of attempting to cover up these incidents by December 2023.
  • A spokesman announced in March 2024 that the lawsuit was dropped following a “misunderstanding” statement from the plaintiff, which the hosts mock as insincere.
  • In February 2025, new accusations emerged: Schlapp allegedly groped a man at a Virginia bar and made multiple patrons uncomfortable. Local sheriff’s reports detailed Schlapp’s continued inappropriate advances even after confrontation. (03:30–04:59)

• MAGA’s Embrace of Scandalized Figures:

  • The hosts highlight how, unlike in liberal circles (referencing Kevin Spacey’s downfall), MAGA figures like Schlapp face little to no repercussions—instead often being elevated in status. (04:59)

  “Remember, Kevin Spacey got canceled completely… What does MAGA do? They elevate him. They put him on TV. They make him in charge of CPAC because being a sexual deviant is in the plus column.”
  — Angie Sullivan (05:05)

2. Hypocrisy and Repressed Sexuality in Conservative Circles

• Schlapp’s Public Persona & Marriage:
  • Jennifer investigates Schlapp’s personal life, noting his marriage to Mercedes Schlapp—a prominent Newsmax commentator and “big Jesus lady.” (05:21)
  • The conversation turns to religious hypocrisy, highlighting how vocal conservative “family values” advocates are often embroiled in scandals themselves.
• On Repression and Hypocrisy:
  • The hosts hypothesize many MAGA leaders are plagued by repressed sexuality and “stunted emotional growth,” leading to public moralizing and private misconduct.
  • “So then he gets all liquored up… and he’s out there grabbing people’s balls.”
    — Jennifer Welch (06:42)
  • Angie questions the willingness of followers to ignore such hypocrisy:

    “Do people ever get tired of somebody talking about sexual ethics? Who the fuck cares what you do in your bedroom, Matt—the reason we’re talking about you is because you’re a hypocrite.”
    — Angie Sullivan (07:18)

3. The Catholic Church, Fox News, and More Hypocrisy

• Father Dolan’s Fox News Appearance:
  • After referencing CPAC, the hosts pivot to Father Dolan—a Catholic priest who appeared on Fox News defending controversial right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
  • Dolan is quoted extolling Kirk as “a modern day Saint Paul” and a “hero” who “knew what Jesus meant when he said, ‘the truth will set you free.’” (08:07)
• Dolan’s Own Scandalous History:
  • Jennifer exposes Dolan’s past: moving church funds to prevent clerical abuse survivors from receiving compensation—actions endorsed by the Vatican. (08:42)
  • The hosts connect this behavior to a wider pattern of cover-ups within conservative institutions, drawing a direct parallel to the CPAC scandal.

4. Celebrating the Villain: The New Right-Wing “Hero”

• Trump’s Influence on Conservative Morality:
  • Trump is discussed as the archetypal right-wing “anti-hero,” whose open embrace of scandal emboldens others with their own “dirty secrets.”

    “You have all of these people that are celebrating the villain… because like this priest, he’s got a nasty, dirty little secret. Matt Schlapp has a nasty, dirty little multiple secrets of sexual abuse.”
    — Jennifer Welch (11:24)

• Erosion of Accountability:
  • The normalization of criminal—or at least immoral—behavior within the right-wing movement is described as a full “moral collapse.”

    “It’s like they feed each other on it… I can one up you. It’s just the moral collapse of these people… it’s breathtaking.”
    — Angie Sullivan (10:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They covered up the sexual predator who was preying on MAGA men, you guys.”
  — Jennifer Welch (03:46)
• “It’s a prerequisite.”
  — Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan in unison, on sexual scandal being a feature, not a bug, in MAGA leadership (05:19–05:21)
• “All of these people that are celebrating the villain… when they see Trump, a sexual abuser that can be president… that’s their version of a hero.”
  — Jennifer Welch (11:24)
• “I get so frustrated by it.”
  — Angie Sullivan, on constant conservative hypocrisy (10:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:20 — Discussion of Piers Morgan/Schlapp panel, setup of Schlapp allegations
• 02:18 — Deep dive into Schlapp’s legal troubles and alleged sexual misconduct
• 04:59 — Comparison to liberal cancellation (Kevin Spacey) vs. MAGA elevation
• 05:21 — Exploration of Schlapp’s personal life and hypocrisy
• 06:10–07:18 — Theorizing about repression and hypocrisy; jokes about Schlapp’s behavior
• 07:54–08:42 — Father Dolan’s appearance, Fox News segment and cover-up discussion
• 10:24 — Angie’s frustration over right-wing moral collapse
• 11:24 — Trump as hero and normalization of villainy

Tone & Style

Jennifer and Angie balance sharp political commentary with biting humor and personal anecdotes. Their frustration is palpable, but their delivery remains conversational, irreverent, and relatable for progressive listeners. Humor is woven throughout, especially when highlighting hypocrisy or delivering sarcastic asides.

Conclusion

This episode exposes a pattern of scandal, hypocrisy, and cover-ups among right-wing elites, zeroing in on Matt Schlapp’s ongoing sexual misconduct allegations and the conservative movement’s refusal to hold its leaders accountable. Through their entertaining yet pointed analysis, Jennifer and Angie reveal a movement redefining its heroes not by virtue, but by their ability to “get away with it”—and to be celebrated for it.