Morning Wire Podcast Summary
Episode: Epstein Case Closed & Russia Hoax Exposed | 7.8.25
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host/Authors: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Produced By: The Daily Wire

Overview

In this episode of Morning Wire, hosts Georgia Howe and guest Cabot Phillips delve into significant developments surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and a recent revelation from the CIA about the Russia interference narrative during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The episode offers in-depth analysis, notable insights, and expert opinions on these pressing issues.

1. Jeffrey Epstein Case Updates

DOJ and FBI Announcements
At the outset, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a memo addressing the long-standing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death. According to Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice:

"The justice department released nearly 11 hours of footage from the common area of the special housing unit in the facility where Epstein was held. It [suggests] that Epstein committed suicide" (02:18).

Controversies and Public Skepticism
Despite the official stance, skepticism remains among the public and experts:

• Tim Rice highlights ongoing doubts:

  "There's been controversy surrounding Epstein's death from the beginning. A lot of people don't believe that he killed himself. They believe he was murdered as part of a cover-up to protect one or more of the powerful people implicated in his crimes." (02:50)

• Cabot Phillips questions the validity of the DOJ's conclusions:

  "The DOJ even admits Epstein. Sal Door is not in the camera's field of view in this video. So exactly how does it prove he committed suicide?" (04:20)

Autopsy Questions and Potential Revelations
The episode discusses the controversial autopsy conducted by Dr. Biden, hired by Epstein's brother, which suggests homicide over suicide:

"The medical examiner... says Epstein had numerous visible injuries, including a broken hyoid bone, which he claims is inconsistent with suicide by hanging." (05:00)

Future Implications with Ghislaine Maxwell
Tim Rice anticipates potential future disclosures from Ghislaine Maxwell:

"Ghislaine Maxwell is facing 20 years in prison and she knows where all the bodies are buried. Perhaps this latest announcement will encourage her to come out and reveal some more information in exchange for some kind of a deal." (06:13)

Notable Quotes:

• Pam Bondi (Attorney General):

  "The Trump administration is committed to truth and to transparency... [we] provided the results of that. That's transparency." (03:39)

• Lisa Bryant (Netflix Documentarian):

  "[She] doesn't believe the memo is the end of the story." (04:35)

2. Israel-Hamas Conflict and Netanyahu's White House Visit

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Visit
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's high-stakes meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House marks his third visit in six months, emphasizing the robust relationship between Israel and Trump’s administration.

Key Discussions and Developments:

• Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities:
  Netanyahu and Trump celebrated successful strikes intended to set back Iran's nuclear ambitions:

  "We have scheduled Iran talks and they want to... we hit the three sites... the Atomic Energy Commission said it is obliterated." (08:16)

• Nobel Peace Prize Nomination:
  In a surprising move, Netanyahu announced that he has officially nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize:

  "I want to present to you, Mr. President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It nominated you for the Peace prize, which is well deserved." (09:22)

• Potential Gaza Deal Terms:
  Negotiations in Qatar hint at a 60-day ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages by Hamas, contingent upon Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza and cessation of military operations:

  "Trump... has been using his action in Iran as leverage with Netanyahu, essentially saying, I helped end your war with Iran. Now it's time for you to end things with Hamas." (09:13)

Notable Quotes:

• Benjamin Netanyahu:

  "They want to work something out. They're very different now than they were two weeks ago." (08:45)

• Donald Trump:

  "The President has already realized great opportunities. He forged the Imran force. He's forging peace as we speak... I want to present to you... nominated you for the Peace prize." (09:22)

3. CIA Reveals ‘Russia Hoax’ Exposed

Overview of the CIA Memo
The CIA has declassified a memo critically examining the Obama administration's assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election, labeling it as a "Russiagate" hoax. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce elaborates:

"Investigators determined that in the initial stages of the probe... the process to finish the assessment had multiple procedural anomalies... hurt the integrity of the CIA." (11:39)

Key Findings:

• Steele Dossier's Influence:
  The memo underscores the premature inclusion of the Steele dossier, a report filled with unverified rumors, into the official assessment:

  "Brennan... was backed up by Comey and Clapper... they excluded 13 of the then 17 intelligence agencies from reviewing their work." (11:39)

• Procedural Anomalies:
  The investigation process was marred by a "highly compressed production timeline" and "excessive involvement of agency heads," undermining the report's credibility.

Republican Reactions:
The report has elicited mixed responses within the Republican ranks, with some feeling it doesn't go far enough:

• Congressman Rick Crawford:

  "They left out... many of the lesser-known players... they're still inside U.S. intelligence agencies and could cause problems." (13:19)

Implications:
The memo suggests systemic issues within the intelligence community's handling of the Russia interference narrative, potentially fueling ongoing political debates and distrust.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Pierce:

  "The Steele dossier was essentially a report on unsubstantiated rumors... there never really was." (12:00)

• Rick Crawford:

  "We knew who the three bad guys are. So let's just move on. And I'm not willing to move on..." (13:34)

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, the geopolitical dynamics between Israel and the U.S., and a critical examination of the Russia interference narrative. Through expert insights and direct quotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues, underscoring the podcast's commitment to delivering unfiltered and fact-based journalism.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Georgia Howe:

  "In a major about face, the DOJ and FBI say Jeffrey Epstein did not have a client list, did not blackmail powerful men, and was not murdered." (00:03)

• Cabot Phillips:

  "The medical examiner... says Epstein had numerous visible injuries... he's never seen in 50 years as a result of a suicide by hanging." (05:30)

• Donald Trump:

  "The President has already realized great opportunities... nominated you for the Peace prize." (09:22)

Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.