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Host
Salacious. And so we are bringing in Katie Fang to hear what she has to say. Welcome, Katie.
Katie Fang
I'm like struggling through this idea of salacious and Katie. But you know what? I'll take it. Why not? I've heard worse adjectives. I've heard better adjectives. That was my bad. I'll take that one. No, it's not.
Host
Katie, we are so glad you're here to join us. Jennifer's on vacation, so I appreciate you pinching. I wanted to talk to you about all the crazy, crazy stuff with maga. I mean, MAGA is melting down on this whole Jeffrey Epstein cover up. What are your thoughts on that?
Katie Fang
Well, I want to look at it from the lens of being a lawyer. Right. And what I did is after I heard all of this BS coming from Pamela Joe, why she's not going to release it, and that really reluctant kind of Dan Bingo Boingo, Bongino hedging on it, as well as Cash Patel. I went back to the indictment, the last superseding indictment for Ghislaine Maxwell, because remember, she got indicted after Epstein died. And I'll put that with an asterisk, right? So you go back to this indictment and the crazy thing is it clearly states in at least two of the counts for which she was indicted by a grand jury and she went to a jury trial and she was convicted and she's serving a sentence in federal prison that she conspired with Jeffrey Epstein, quote, and others, end quote. So at a minimum, there are conspirators, co conspirators that participated in criminal conduct There have been multiple grand juries impaneled. And putting aside the confidentiality of grand jury records, which I understand that at this point, with Epstein dead, Maxwell in prison, you know, I think they should all be out. But you also have civil litigation. So what I don't understand is if there's nothing to see here or move along people, then what's the harm in releasing all of it with the proper redactions to protect the, the safety and the identities of the victims? I am not saying let's do an expose on victims. I want to focus on the people that had their fingerprints and their DNA literally involved in this. And I don't give a shit if you're a Republican or a Democrat. Put it all out there and let the American public judge, as they should.
Host
I completely agree. What fascinates me about this whole thing is these conspiracy theorists who are like pedophile rings at pizza gates in basements that they don't have basements that they're not making the leap. Like Epstein died under Trump. Epstein's files are not released under Trump. And then, you know, obviously maga, I don't give them that much credit. But the, like, the Dan Bonginos, who he hasn't connected the dots. Like, I don't understand that. That's what fascinates me is somebody who knows that's been in the FBI, they know. Elon Musk knows because he told us on his Twitter account, he knows. So how are they not. I mean, I guess they really believed it. Is that what my takeaway is?
Katie Fang
I don't think they ever legitimately believe it. I think they are people of convenience. Right. And so for them, they know what the red meat is for that base. I think the problem ends up being the lack of accountability, as in self kind of accountability. Like I made a mistake. Like I bought into this hook and sinker and I never should have. No, what they're struggling with is how do I abandon these very, very public, forward facing statements I've made about the value of these files and how they have been suppressed and hidden by Democratic administrations and democratic DOJs. And now clearly we have a Republican administration, a Republican doj, a Republican ag and she literally is gatekeeping information that all of them have made such a big stink over, over years. I'm not talking just a couple of weeks. For years they have ridden this horse to death. And now they're standing there looking, they're like, well, why is the horse dead? Like, what am I supp to do with it? Well, dumbasses like, we're not going to let it go to the glue factory. Like, we're going to make sure that it's out there. Which is why Ro Khanna was like, hey, here's an amendment. Let's vote on it. And of course, the House Republicans are like, psych. We don't really want the Americans to see what's in this.
Host
Right. That's a perfect segue because last night they went in, like, under cover of darkness and voted against releasing the files. What does that say to you?
Katie Fang
That says that old lady right there in the middle of this picture needs to get the hell out of Congress. And, you know, it just goes to show that we are fighting a battle as Democrats against people that constantly are changing the rules, constantly moving goalposts and constantly changing the landscape of the battle and the fights. You know, in my opinion, it means to me that rules just don't apply. Right? Like the. The rules don't apply, the laws don't have any meat, and they don't have any basis in reason with these people. So it's kind of like, do we continue to try to engage? So I commend Ro Khanna because he said, I'm just going to keep on bringing it up over and over and over again until something happens. And good for him. At the same time, though, we can also kind of pay attention to all the other stuff that's going on, which I think we're doing pretty well right now.
Host
Yeah, I do think it's getting better. But how about. Ghislaine Maxwell has volunteered to testify in front of Congress? I mean, that if the midterms actually happen and if we actually get to a Democratic majority and Ghislaine Maxwell's out there saying, yeah, I'll come testify, you know, the Republicans are blocking it, but I think that the Democrats would allow it. Wouldn't you assume they would?
Katie Fang
What's crazy is that you're bringing up a graphic from Drudge Report, which, as you and I don't know, for years was like such a pro Republican conservative kind of rag, you know, very maga, but even Drudge kind of. They lost Drudge a while ago. Ago. And so anyway, I think I. Well, I said when all of this epine stuff resurfaced, I was not kidding when I said that they needed to put this woman in protective custody because she is literally one of the last people that has the direct one on one knowledge with Jeffrey Epstein. And I do think it's a big tell you. And I also kind of knowing the, the Law of the land and the legal landscape. I think it's a big tell that she's never said anything.
Host
Yeah.
Katie Fang
I don't know if it's because she's been holding out, although, really, I think she would have spilled the beans to help her sentencing. But what's crazy is that, is she feeling intimidated that she is not going to say something? I mean, there's a lot there. And so I wasn't kidding, but I'm like, maybe we need to put her in protective custody, because again, I put that asterisk there about Jeffrey Epstein.
Host
Okay, let me ask you this question. So Pam Bondi releases the footage, but doesn't go in and scrub the metadata. So it shows that she completely spliced that video. And then you have Ghislaine Maxwell, she still in jail. My thought is, if she were going to testify in front of Congress or give a statement, wouldn't the powers that be in the Justice Department just tell her, leave all references to Trump out? And given the fact that then he could pardon her, she might do that? I mean, do you think that's a possibility or if I gone down the crazy conspiracy rabbit hole.
Katie Fang
No, I mean, the idea of crazy pardons is not crazy. Right. Because we've seen them happen. I mean, one. I mean, we still know that P. Diddy is pending sentencing. He's gunning for a pardon still. Right. For his crazy conviction. You know, that's a really interesting thought. I think that she has nothing to lose, though. So I think she's too much of a wild card for this doj. Meaning even if she said she wasn't going to say something about somebody like Donald Trump, there's really nothing stopping her, per se. And I. And I also think that. I think those types of backroom deals eventually see the light. And I think that even this Bondi DOJ knows that if they were to try to strike a deal with Ghislaine Maxwell where she doesn't see say something about Donald Trump and others in exchange for either getting a reduced sentence or getting a pardon, I don't think anybody would actually keep that under wraps. And it's weird because now we're championing people in the world of MAGA that are taking a stand. But, like, can I footnote something for a hot second? Bongino hasn't gone to his job since last week. Who the hell doesn't get to go to their job because they're mad at their co worker over a pedophile? Like that just kind of gives you an idea of how messed up MAGA land is that? This guy said, peace out to my job for the long weekend and then some. And nobody's like, are you going to come to your job? I mean, the guy works in the FBI, but he's not going to go to his job.
Host
Well, and you know what's interesting is he was all over Fox News crying about the stress, and I'm just like. Because he misses his kids. I'm like, dude, women have been putting their kids in daycare and going to work for years, decades even, and they're not on the news crying about it. Like, this whole men are more emotional than women. It just goes all through me. So do you. Okay, here was what I was surprised about. In retrospect, I'm surprised they didn't release the Epstein files and conveniently remove the parts that reference Trump. That, to me, would have seemed like a better solution because MAGA would have gotten what they wanted and he would have been kept out of it. Do you think it's too late in the game for them to go back and do that?
Katie Fang
I don't think it's a secret. We all know that Trump is. Trump had a long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, some of which is above board, some of which suggests, allegedly, that it's not. Right. So I'm sure his name appears multiple times throughout it. We know that the plain logs, the flight logs, reflect that at a minimum. And let me be clear, that also reflects some people that are part of the Democrats. Right. I mean, I do think maybe this transcends just the Trump references, though. I think there may be references to other very big businessmen, maybe even women in the Republican establishment that Trump is trying to protect as well. These are people that give up money. These are donors. I bet you. I mean, Epstein wasn't picky about party affiliation in terms of who he rubbed elbows with. Right. And so I think that could be part of it. But you know what's outrageous? We're having these conversations and living in the land of speculation. Why not just release it? Redact the victims, redact. You know, make sure we don't see inappropriate videos, make sure we're not promoting anything that is illegal or criminal in conduct. And then why don't we just let people deal with the consequences as the chips fall? Right? It's just. What is it? Is it the butterfly effect? Is that what you call it, like, or the Barbra Streisand effect? The less you want to talk about it, the more we're talking about it. And the thing is, we're not going to let it go because it's in the vein of Pizzagate. It's in the vein of these crazy conspiracy theories which was, it was all the Democrats fault for not releasing this information. And now we're sitting here being like, hello, tick tock, tick tock. It's all within your control and y' all are just sitting on it.
Host
Yeah, absolutely. And here's an interesting thing about the not talking about it.
Katie Fang
I'm done talking about Epstein for the time being. I'm going to trust my friends, the administration, I'm going to trust my friends in the government to do what needs to be done, solve it. Balls in their hands. I've said plenty this last weekend, so if you guys want to see my commentary on it, that's fine.
Host
Is this going to work for the base is my question.
Katie Fang
No, I think it's going to generate more interest and more questions. The thing about Charlie Kirk is if you listen carefully to what he said, first of all, it looked like, didn't look like he was reading from a script. He was reading through something. One, he was careful. Two, he said, I'm done talking about the Epstein stuff quote for the time being. So I think even he is not going to let this bone go. Especially because putting aside the people talking about it that are the very public, Martin, name people if you go, which I don't, by the way. But if you go and you check out all the chatter and all these crazy like, you know, incel places and like people's base, people's parents basements and shit, like they're still talking about it and they're mad, mad pissed. It's not like, hey, I wonder why. It's more like release them now, why are you lying, etc. So I'm like, okay, well let them, you know, self immolate and let them cannibalize each other out of this. But in the meantime, again, come on, let's, let's, let's see what's out there.
Host
I find it interesting of all the crazy that Trump has done, this is what his base is not letting go. You know, taking a jet from Qatar and spending all this money on his military parade and, you know, best friends with Vladimir Putin, all that. They just let it roll off him like water off a duck's back. But this is what they're hanging on to. I just find interesting.
Katie Fang
I was doing a substack live with my buddies, the Good Liars, and they, oh my God, they tripped me out. So they told me that when they go to these rallies. I'm like, well let me ask you a question. When you talk to these MAGA people and you know, they're obsessing over their cult leader and then something happens that is obvious calling out Trump, that he lied about something, right? Like it obviously refutes the truth comes and the reality comes and it smacks him in the face. Like, do they then say, you know, buyer's remorse or you know, I have to eat some crow. And Jason Devrem told me the good liars, they said no because for them they just have to make up a reason behind why that happened. So they said for that stupid birthday military parade, right? Which we all thought was just, oh, him stroking his ego, which definitely it was, right? But they told me that they were going to this parade on his birthday and they thought because they have the little QAnon chats and the crazy Reddit and whatever, that that was going to be the beginning of the military takeover of the United States that Trump had assembled. The, well you see, you laugh, but these mofos are like totally buying this shit that, that Trump had assembled the military in the nation's capital and that would commence the civil war and the military takeover of the US So when it didn't happen, they of course are like, okay, well it was just the beginning and it was just like the prelude to what it is. So when you try to extrapolate to something like Epstein, it's like a lot of them haven't been hit by the big bullshit bill cuts yet because the Republicans scammed everybody into, you know, stacking it up at a timing where it's going to kick in post 2026, midterms, whatever. So you know, their bored and like they aren't impacted by Russia, Ukraine, what do they care that Ukraine now gets the military aid, the tariffs they're complaining about, but they're still blaming other countries because they're too dumb to realize that it actually trickles down to them as the consumer, right? So they're bored and the conspiracy theories are the ones that give them life. It's the ones that generate the crazy ass chats, like group chats, like hey, you know Bubba, did you notice that like, you know, the Epstein, like that type of energy gives them life, which is why they're not going to let this stuff go.
Host
Well, I'm enjoying watching it. I need popcorn. Katie Fang, thank you so much for joining us. Please like this video and subscribe to our channel. We'll be back soon.
Podcast Summary: IHIP News - "MAGA Republicans Vote to Keep Trump's Secrets Hidden in Epstein File Case"
Episode Information:
In this episode of IHIP News, progressive podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan delve deep into the contentious issue of MAGA Republicans' recent decision to withhold Jeffrey Epstein's files, which potentially contain sensitive information about former President Donald Trump. Joining them is legal expert Katie Fang, who provides a nuanced perspective on the legal implications and political maneuvers surrounding the case.
The discussion kicks off with the hosts addressing the recent meltdown within MAGA circles regarding the Epstein cover-up. Jennifer introduces Katie Fang, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the broader political stakes involved.
Key Quote:
Katie emphasizes the importance of transparency, arguing that releasing the Epstein files, even with necessary redactions, could allow the American public to hold accountable those implicated, regardless of their political affiliations.
The hosts explore how conspiracy theories, such as Pizzagate, continue to fuel distrust and misinformation among the public. They question why prominent figures within the MAGA movement, including Dan Bongino and others, fail to make logical connections or acknowledge the lack of evidence supporting these theories.
Key Quote:
Katie counters by suggesting that many within the MAGA base may not genuinely believe these conspiracies but rather perpetuate them for political convenience and to satisfy their base’s appetite for sensational narratives.
Key Quote:
A significant portion of the episode centers on Ghislaine Maxwell’s willingness to testify before Congress. The hosts and Katie examine the implications of her potential testimony and the obstruction by Republican officials.
Key Quote:
Katie speculates that Maxwell’s silence could indicate intimidation or a strategic move to avoid implicating higher-profile individuals, including Donald Trump.
Katie provides an in-depth legal analysis of the situation, referencing the indictments and the lack of accountability within the Republican-controlled DOJ and Congress. She criticizes the obstructionist tactics employed to prevent the release of the Epstein files.
Key Quote:
This segment underscores the systemic challenges faced by Democrats in pushing for transparency and justice, highlighting the perpetual rule alterations and goalpost movements by Republicans to shield their allies.
The conversation shifts to the psychological aspects of the MAGA base, exploring why certain scandals, like the Epstein case, resonate deeply while other significant actions by Trump seem to be dismissed or overlooked.
Key Quote:
Katie explains that conspiracy theories provide a sense of community and purpose for the MAGA base, keeping them engaged and resistant to counter-narratives or evidence that contradicts their beliefs.
Throughout the episode, both Jennifer and Angie contribute their perspectives, often intertwining with Katie’s expert analysis. They express frustration over the lack of accountability and the persistent spread of misinformation, while also acknowledging the resilience and adaptability of the MAGA movement.
Key Quote:
This remark highlights the selective focus of the MAGA base, choosing to fixate on certain narratives while ignoring or rationalizing other controversies surrounding Trump.
In wrapping up the episode, Katie emphasizes trust in governmental processes and expresses a cautious optimism that transparency will eventually prevail. However, she remains skeptical about the immediate impact on the MAGA base, predicting sustained resistance and continued propagation of conspiracy theories.
Key Quote:
The hosts conclude by reflecting on the ongoing battle for truth and accountability, underscoring the importance of persistent advocacy and public awareness.
Final Thoughts
This episode of IHIP News offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics between MAGA Republicans, the Epstein case, and the broader implications for political transparency and accountability. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, Jennifer, Angie, and Katie Fang shed light on the challenges and potential pathways forward in navigating this politically charged landscape.