Podcast Summary: The Beat with Ari Melber

Episode: State Probe Begins Into Epstein’s New Mexico Ranch

Host: Ari Melber
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Beat centers on significant new investigative actions related to Jeffrey Epstein, including the opening of a state probe into his notorious New Mexico ranch and fresh congressional scrutiny of figures linked to Epstein, such as billionaire Les Wexner. Ari Melber covers the latest developments in the bipartisan push for transparency around the Epstein files, discusses the implications of these revelations, explores alleged government cover-ups, tackles the Trump administration's approach to the files, and addresses renewed concerns about press freedom, culminating with a tribute to the late civil rights icon Jesse Jackson.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congressional Pressure and the Epstein Files

• Context:

  • Les Wexner, billionaire with a “very big business relationship” with Jeffrey Epstein, is set to testify before Congress in Ohio due to his age (88).
  • Congress forced the release of more files against Trump’s wishes.
  • The files reportedly mention Wexner over 1,000 times (emails, lawsuits, DOJ/FBI records).
  • Public and bipartisan demand for accountability persists despite efforts by some to “let it go.”

• Key Highlights:

  • Congress compelled more transparency, contradicting former President Trump’s repeated calls to “leave it alone.”
  • DOJ’s handling of the files, including redactions and potential gaps in investigation, under scrutiny.

• Notable Quote:

  “Congress made him release them. That’s the story we've been following... Congress said no, there's more to do.”—Ari Melber (00:44)

  • [00:44 - 08:57]: Deep dive into Wexner’s ties, Congress’s persistence, and the tension between public inquiry and obstruction.

2. New Mexico State Probe and Expanding Accountability

• Development:

  • New Mexico has launched a new probe into Epstein’s ranch, where survivors allege abuse.
  • Global consequences: Columbia sanctions two linked individuals; business allies face pushback and asset forfeiture.

• Impact:

  • Transparency efforts are now prompting real investigations and reputational consequences, even without new indictments.

• Notable Quote:

  “Information, investigation and public pressure can lead to investigations that otherwise were not going to happen.”—Ari Melber (07:20)

3. Analysis with Civil Rights Lawyer Nancy Erica Smith

• Topics:

  • The stonewalling by the DOJ and ongoing obfuscation under the Trump administration.
  • Rep. Thomas Massie (R) praised for persisting despite threats; called it the “Epstein administration.”
  • The need for investigation into apparent blackmail in Epstein-Wexner communications.
  • DOJ’s refusal to investigate further tips from the files criticized.

• Key Exchanges/Timestamps:

  • Redactions and threats:

    “Thomas Massie is a hero here and he's paying for it. ... DOJ has violated the Epstein Transparency Act.”—Nancy Erica Smith (11:24)

  • On Wexner-Epstein email implying mutual secrets (“Not so veiled threat, actually, of blackmail”):

    “To me, it looks like blackmail should be investigated.” —Nancy Erica Smith (14:24)

  • Political environment:

    “He [Trump] created this concern by talking about the Epstein files all the time as if it was part of the ridiculous conspiracy…”—Nancy Erica Smith (14:24)

4. Democratic Strategy and Congressional Oversight

• Shift in Democratic Approach:

  • Discussion with strategist Che Koman Durie on how Democrats are preparing to wield oversight tools more aggressively if they gain power, possibly including impeachments and direct targeting of Trump rather than focusing on less-known cabinet officials.

• Key Insights:

  • Democrats have moved from viewing Trump as an aberration to recognizing the enduring threat of Trumpism (“authoritarian movement”).
  • Impeaching high-profile figures like Trump is politically more viable than targeting lesser-known officials.

• Notable Quotes:

  “Trump and the Trump movement is a real movement. It is an authoritarian movement that is now on offer to American voters, and that requires a response that is commensurate to, to the threat to democracy.” —Che Koman Durie (18:44) “Donald Trump is in charge. ... aim their target directly at him. That is what's most politically viable.”—Che Koman Durie (21:19)

5. Government Censorship & Colbert’s Showdown with the FCC

• The Story:

  • Trump’s FCC reportedly pressured CBS to block an appearance by Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on Stephen Colbert’s show, seeking to suppress an interview before the primary.
  • Colbert and crew were told not only to drop the interview but not to even discuss the censorship—a demand Colbert defied live on air.

• Key Moments/Timestamps:

  • Colbert refuses to comply:

    “We were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers...that we could not have him on the broadcast...Let's talk about this.” —Stephen Colbert (27:39)

  • Colbert’s on-air rebuke:

    “Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV.” —Stephen Colbert (28:58)

• Analysis with Juanita Liver:

  • She praises Colbert’s whistleblowing on government-corporate capitulation.

    “Colbert rang the alarm loudly and publicly, and he did not capitulate proactively. That is essential here...” —Juanita Liver (30:37)

  • The Streisand Effect in play: Attempted censorship increased attention.

6. Tribute to Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson

• News:

  • Jesse Jackson dies at 84; remembered for legacy alongside MLK, modernizing civil rights activism, presidential runs, and democratizing the Democratic Party.

• Key Insights from Reverend Al Sharpton:

  • Detailed Jackson’s threefold impact: preserving civil rights laws, making the Democratic Party more inclusive, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
  • Jackson’s emphasis: The cycles of history involve both progress and pushback; perseverance is vital.

• Notable Quotes:

  “He taught us that...those of us that learned that or a lot of what we were able to do with his help. He was always there till he couldn't be there anymore.” —Rev. Al Sharpton (40:00) “He would always say to me, the cycles of history are up and down. ... Just hang in there till you reach your goal. And I think that's why he always said keep hope alive.” —Rev. Al Sharpton (43:50) “Look at what people were up against in the past and take some inspiration from that. ... And they won anyway.” —Ari Melber/Rev. Al Sharpton (44:08)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps & Attribution)

• “Congress made him release them... Congress said no, there's more to do.” — Ari Melber [00:44]
• “Thomas Massie is a hero here and he's paying for it. ... DOJ has violated the Epstein Transparency Act.” — Nancy Erica Smith [11:24]
• “To me, it looks like blackmail should be investigated.” — Nancy Erica Smith [14:24]
• “Trump and the Trump movement is a real movement. ... requires a response that is commensurate to the threat to democracy.” — Che Koman Durie [18:44]
• “We were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers...we could not have him on the broadcast...Let's talk about this.” — Stephen Colbert [27:39]
• “Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV because all Trump does is watch TV.” — Stephen Colbert [28:58]
• “Colbert rang the alarm loudly and publicly, and he did not capitulate proactively. That is essential here...” — Juanita Liver [30:37]
• “He taught us that...those of us that learned that or a lot of what we were able to do with his help. He was always there till he couldn't be there anymore.” — Rev. Al Sharpton [40:00]
• “He would always say to me, the cycles of history are up and down. ... Just hang in there till you reach your goal. And I think that's why he always said keep hope alive.” — Rev. Al Sharpton [43:50]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Epstein-Wexner Congressional Probe: [00:44 - 08:57]
• New Mexico State Probe Announcement: [07:00]
• Interview with Nancy Erica Smith: [10:32 - 15:59]
• Democratic Congressional Tactics (w/ Che Koman Durie): [17:38 - 22:45]
• FCC/Colbert Censorship Clash: [25:02 - 31:36]
• Juanita Liver’s Analysis: [30:37 - 34:48]
• Tribute & Discussion: Jesse Jackson's Legacy (w/ Rev. Al Sharpton): [37:09 - 44:31]

Conclusion

This episode highlights the persistent battle for transparency, accountability, and democratic norms in the face of entrenched power and new attempts at suppression. From renewed investigations into high-profile figures connected to Epstein, to governmental attempts at media censorship, and the historical context provided by the passing of Jesse Jackson, The Beat underscores both the gravity of current political battles and the enduring nature of struggles for justice and free expression.