Podcast Summary: Redacted News

Episode Title: Trump Flips On Epstein Now Wants Everything Released, New Thomas Matthew Crooks Revelations Emerge
Hosts: Clayton Morris, Natalie Morris
Date: November 18, 2025

Overview

This episode of Redacted News, hosted by Clayton and Natalie Morris, explores several high-profile and controversial current events: Donald Trump's abrupt reversal on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, the political machinations and likely futility of the congressional Epstein files vote, new revelations and cover-up concerns in the Thomas Matthew Crooks assassination attempt, and an on-the-ground report from Mexico debunking "civil war" rumors. Additional segments discuss U.S. foreign policy maneuvers in Venezuela and broader concerns about U.S. media and political integrity. The episode features guest insights from journalist Derek Brose (reporting from Mexico) and Colonel Dan Davis on U.S. interventionism.

Main Topics & Discussions

1. Trump’s Reversal on the Epstein Files

Key Points & Analysis

• Trump had long opposed releasing the full Jeffrey Epstein files, but has now abruptly called on Congress to vote for their release.
• The looming vote is being billed as a “win” by some, but the hosts are highly skeptical any real information will be revealed.
• Survivors’ powerful PSA is played to remind listeners of the human cost and those still seeking justice.
• Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna's bill allows the Attorney General (AG) to withhold or redact information under the pretense of ongoing investigations.

“If you think that you are actually going to see the Epstein files in their entirety...I got a bridge to sell you.” – Clayton Morris (05:23)

Political “Checkmate”

• Bill contains a loophole: new DOJ investigations can instantly justify further withholdings.
• Pam Bondi appoints Jay Clayton (with previous connections to Epstein associate Leon Black) to lead the investigation — a “fox in the henhouse” scenario.
• Hosts argue this is a bipartisanship cover-up extending over four administrations (Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden).
• The hosts warn listeners about being manipulated into celebrating a symbolic, toothless gesture.

“They’ve checkmated you guys. We can’t get through it...If there’s a new investigation, there’s nothing we can do.”
– Clayton Morris (13:45)

"All of this is a rigamarole because the Justice Department could just give it right now without a new investigation."
– Clayton Morris (14:22)

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Survivor PSA: “I suffered so much pain. I was 14 years old.” (06:44)
• Natalie explaining survivor dynamics and abuse: “…the only way they could get out of showing up and performing sexual favors for Jeffrey Epstein was if they found another girl at their high school…” (08:16)

Conclusion

• Hosts stress: Expect heavy redactions and little actual accountability; public is being placated, not served.

2. Mexico: Civil War Claims Debunked – Live Report from Derek Brose

Rumors and Reality

• Alternative and mainstream media over the weekend reported Mexico was erupting into “civil war.”
• Journalist Derek Brose, on the ground in Morelia, Michoacan, provides context:
  • Protests sparked by the assassination of independent mayor Carlos Manzo, who took a hardline anti-cartel stance.
  • Despite unrest, daily life continues as normal. Brose reports “no civil war erupting...You’re being misled.” (39:27)

The Role of Symbolism (“Jolly Roger” Flag)

• Protests have seen the rise of the One Piece/Jolly Roger flag (anime-derived), speculated to be either organic or an attempt at “color revolution” branding.
• Brose cautiously notes that while external influence is always possible, local grievances are very real.

"The young generation is just sick of it...to dismiss movements like that as all fake engineered thing... diminishes the people who have legit concerns about where things are headed."
— Derek Brose (37:00)

U.S. Influence and Cartel Funding

• Explored parallels to U.S. involvement/funding of cartels as pretext for later intervention.
• Brose: “We know without a doubt...some [cartels] were trained by U.S. Special Forces...”

Takeaway

• Protests are significant but not indicative of a revolution or existential threat to government; media hype misinforms.

3. Venezuela: U.S. Bombings & Rumors of War

Key Points & Discussion

• U.S. recently attacked another Venezuelan fishing vessel, citing new “terrorist” designations.
• Host and guest, Colonel Dan Davis, discuss:
  • Lack of clear military objectives; tradition of U.S. regime-change interventionism.
  • Trump’s mixed signals — considering diplomatic talks while hoping Maduro steps down and hands over oil/gold.
  • The action is compared to the start of endless, costly, and morally dubious military adventures.

“There is no really attainable military objective that has anything to do with American national security or the drug trade. It’s all just a complete fabrication.”
— Colonel Dan Davis (45:39)

• Both sides of U.S. politics complicit in dishonest war justifications. Trend of officials resigning over illegal orders conspicuously absent.

4. The Thomas Matthew Crooks Cover-up: Timeline & Red Flags

Official Narrative Unraveling

• Focus on discrepancies and stonewalling in the assassination attempt on Trump:
  • Autopsy performed July 14, but not signed until August 5.
  • Body cremated July 23—before investigation by Rep. Clay Higgins or Senator Hawley.
  • Crime scene cleaned within 24 hours; lack of opportunity for independent verification.
  • FBI’s secrecy extends to Crooks’ online footprint, revealing odd details (furry art obsession, gender identity commentary) but offering no public motive.
  • Conspiracy speculation: Some sources suspect the wrong body was cremated.

“Why cremate the body before the autopsy was even finalized? ...Why the quick destruction?”
— Natalie Morris (65:31)

• Motive for rush: Prevent outside review and close public inquiry.

Online Presence and FBI Narrative

• Miranda Devine reports FBI is hiding material about Crooks' psychological profile and digital history.
• FBI claims of no evidence for motive are refuted by multiple sources.
• Sudden move to blame Iran for the attack is presented as an obvious attempted false flag.

Concluding Concerns

• The segment stresses the lack of transparency, the stonewalling, and the broader pattern of cover-ups involving “third party investigators” or legal loopholes to squelch real disclosure.

5. Ted Cruz’s Presidential Ambitions & Establishment Maneuvers

Ted Cruz 2028 Candidacy

• Axios reports Cruz “preparing” for a 2028 presidential run.
• Hosts and chat ridicule Cruz's chances, highlighting his attacks on Tucker Carlson as a central (but deeply unpopular) strategy.

"He is going to run using his platform against Tucker Carlson … that people will be attracted to Ted Cruz because he attacks Tucker."
– Natalie Morris (87:01)

• Notably, establishment donors/figures (Ben Shapiro, Barry Weiss) are allegedly pressuring J.D. Vance to distance himself from Tucker; establishment power plays are exposed.

Media’s Diminishing Influence

• Discussion of Fox News viewership aging, irrelevance for younger demographics, and crumbling influence of legacy media compared to alt-news/podcasts.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------| | "They've checkmated you guys. We can't get through it. If there's a new investigation, there's nothing we can do." | Clayton Morris | 13:45 | | "To anybody out there that's hearing on their social media feeds that there's a civil war erupting... you're being misled. Life is normal."| Derek Brose | 39:27 | | “There is no really attainable military objective that has anything to do with American national security or the drug trade.” | Colonel Dan Davis | 45:39 | | "Why cremate the body before the autopsy was even finalized?... Why the quick destruction?" | Natalie Morris | 65:31 | | "He is going to run using his platform against Tucker Carlson... as his appeal." | Natalie Morris | 87:01 |

Key Timestamps: Important Segments

• 05:23 — Trump reverses stance on Epstein files; Congress to vote.
• 07:50–09:09 — Survivor testimony discussed; coercion and legal system failures.
• 13:30–14:39 — Explanation of legislative redactions and DOJ’s built-in escape hatch.
• 24:58–40:11 — Derek Brose from Mexico contextualizes protests, debunks “civil war” claims.
• 45:05–56:12 — Colonel Dan Davis on Venezuela; modern U.S. intervention and fig leaf excuses.
• 61:04–73:21 — Thomas Crooks cover-up: timeline, autopsy, FBI stonewalling, and online footprint leads.
• 84:09–93:36 — Ted Cruz 2028 run, “fighting” Tucker, donor pressure on J.D. Vance, media irrelevancy, and the failed establishment.

Conclusion & Tone

Through in-depth, skeptical, occasionally sardonic analysis, Clayton and Natalie Morris dissect the major current events, consistently highlighting government and media obfuscation and manipulation. They call out bipartisan complicity in cover-ups (Epstein, Crooks, Venezuela, etc.), critique mainstream and alt-media failures, and scrutinize the motivations behind establishment politics (e.g., Cruz’s campaign). Persistent throughout is their encouragement for listeners to remain critical, avoid emotional manipulation, and prioritize independent investigation and honest public discourse.

Additional Details

• Flow & Community: The episode includes robust live chat engagement, practical skepticism, and regular encouragement of independent thought.
• Memorable Moments:
  • Sarcastic audience appeals (“If you vote for Ted Cruz, why are you here?”).
  • Guest Derek Brose’s clear-eyed account, cutting through sensationalism.
  • Hosts’ inside media stories and frank admissions of institutional decay.
• Relevant for Audience:
  • Offers background and skepticism that can’t be found in mainstream reporting.
  • Connects policy, investigative shortcomings, and real-world consequences.