LEGAL AF: Judge Orders Urgent Response by Trump on Epstein Claims!
MeidasTouch Network | February 7, 2026
Host: Michael Popok (with clips from Pam Bondi and survivor Lisa Phillips)
Timeframe: [03:09] – [16:44]

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the latest legal battle over the alleged “Epstein client list,” focusing on a federal judge's demand for a clearer response from the Department of Justice and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously claimed to possess the list. Michael Popok provides a deep-dive analysis of the ongoing FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) lawsuit initiated by journalist Jimmy Tobias, the shifting explanations for the list’s whereabouts, and the broader implications for transparency in government and ongoing investigations into Jeffrey Epstein’s network.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The FOIA Lawsuit: Origins and Stakes ([03:09] – [06:16])

• Pam Bondi’s Infamous Claim

  • In February 2025, Pam Bondi publicly stated on Fox News:
    • “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review. That’s been a directive by President Trump. I’m reviewing that. I’m reviewing JFK files, MLK files. That’s all in the process of being reviewed because that was done at the directive of the president from all of these agencies.” — Pam Bondi, [05:03]
  • This claim was the catalyst for multiple investigations and public skepticism.

• Journalist Jimmy Tobias Files FOIA Request

  • Immediately following Bondi’s comments, Tobias sought access to the specific Epstein-related records referenced.

• The Federal Judge's Involvement

  • Judge Randy Moss demanded the DOJ and Bondi identify and provide the client list, or convincingly explain its absence—underscoring the legal standard for FOIA compliance.

• Initial DOJ Response Deemed Inadequate

  • DOJ claimed, in a declaration by Sean O’Neill, that “there are no records responsive to plaintiff’s request for the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients.”
    • Michael Popok commentary: “He basically declares there is no Epstein client list. And they've done a systemic review of the Epstein material and they've revealed no incriminating client list based on a July 7 memo.” [09:55]

2. Bondi Tries to Walk Back Her Statements ([05:18] – [06:16])

• Reframing on Air

  • Bondi later tried to walk back her initial assertion, saying:
    • “I was asked a question about the client list and my response was it’s sitting on my desk to be reviewed, meaning the file along with the JFK, MLK files as well. That’s what I meant by that…” — Pam Bondi, [05:24]

• Child Pornography Evidence

  • Bondi also touched on the evidence found in the Epstein material, noting it included “tens of thousands of video, they turned out to be child porn…those were never going to be released…” [05:24]

3. Survivor and Whistleblower Pressure ([09:24])

• Survivor Response: If DOJ Won’t, We Will
  • Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips, represented by Michael Popok, announced a plan by survivors to compile and release their own list:
    • “We know the names. Many of us were abused by them. Now together as survivors, we will confidentially compile the names.” — Lisa Phillips, [09:24]

4. The Ongoing Legal and Political Maneuvering ([09:55] – [11:58])

• DOJ’s “Shell Game” and Delay Tactics

  • Popok explains repeated DOJ deflections, first blaming judges for withholding files, then claiming Congressional permission was necessary, despite the documents never residing with Congress.

• Role of Congress and the “Epstein Transparency Act”

  • Congressional actions and inactions have further delayed public disclosure, with bills stalling and a discharge petition ultimately forcing a vote, though only after substantial bipartisan pressure.

• Parallel Litigations Monitored by Legal AF

  • Popok references multiple cases:
    • Jimmy Tobias’ case before Judge Moss (focus of this episode)
    • A Democracy Forward case before Judge Chutkan regarding Trump-Epstein communications
    • A Second Circuit case involving the parent company of the National Enquirer seeking broader Epstein files

• Popok’s Analysis

  • “Judges are not going to allow the Department of Justice to point to the 3 million, which is half or one tenth of the entire pile of Epstein documents, and get away with it.” [11:58]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pam Bondi on Fox News: “It's sitting on my desk right now to review…” [05:03]
• Pam Bondi Wind-Down: “I was asked a question about the client list and my response was it’s sitting on my desk to be reviewed, meaning the file along with the JFK, MLK files as well…” [05:24]
• Lisa Phillips (Epstein survivor): “Now together as survivors, we will confidentially compile the names. We all know who are regularly in the Epstein world…and it will be done by survivors and for survivors, no one else is involved. Stay tuned for more details.” [09:24]
• Michael Popok’s Assessment: “Delay, delay, delay… and still we don't have the things the Treasury Department has like the Internal Revenue Service, bank records, how to track the money flow. We just have the DOJ and FBI files.” [11:31]
• On DOJ’s Excuses: “That was just a ruse. That was just a charade that they tried to pull on the American people.” [11:18]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:09] Introduction to the Jimmy Tobias FOIA lawsuit and its origins
• [05:03] Pam Bondi’s Fox News statement (“It’s sitting on my desk right now…”)
• [05:24] Bondi’s clarification and discussion of evidence
• [06:16] FOIA request specifics and initial DOJ declaration
• [09:24] Lisa Phillips, Epstein survivor, announces survivors’ own client list
• [09:55] Discussion of the DOJ’s non-responsive FOIA reply and future congressional hearings
• [11:18] Explanation of the “shell game” and DOJ’s legal maneuvers
• [11:58] Overview of parallel litigation and Popok’s closing analysis

Conclusion

Michael Popok meticulously unpacks the complex and often infuriating legal and bureaucratic gymnastics surrounding the unfulfilled promises to disclose the “Epstein client list.” This episode offers critical insight into how both the executive branch and Congress have repeatedly punted responsibility, while survivors and independent journalists persistently push for transparency. With federal judges now signaling impatience with further DOJ delays, the episode ends with anticipation for Bondi’s upcoming congressional testimony and hints at escalating pressure for public accountability.

Summary prepared by Legal AF Podcast Summarizer – based on [03:09]–[16:44]