Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Epstein survivor breaks her silence on 'the list,' Mar-a-Lago and the fight for justice
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki (MS NOW)
Guests: Charlene Richard (Epstein survivor), Sky and Amanda Roberts (brother and sister-in-law of late survivor Virginia Giuffre), Congressman Robert Garcia

Overview

This episode centers on the historic passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill compelling the Department of Justice to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Jen Psaki examines the extraordinary activism that forced the bill through Congress—despite resistance from Donald Trump and allies—and the powerful testimony of survivors. For the first time, survivor Charlene Richard speaks out, sharing her story and the dangers faced by those seeking justice. The episode features in-depth discussions on survivor advocacy, legislative battles, the limits and loopholes in the bill, and what's next for justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historic Epstein Files Bill

(00:49–11:55, 23:09–37:41)

• Major Legislative Milestone:
  The bill to release all DOJ-held Epstein files unexpectedly passed both chambers of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support—only one no vote, from Rep. Clay Higgins.
  • Host, Jen Psaki (00:49):
    “A bill that will compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files is on its way to Donald Trump’s desk... None of it was enough. None of it worked. They tried everything they could to stop it, and they failed.”
• Political Resistance:
  Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to block the bill through various maneuvers (sending Congress home, resisting swearing-in, pressuring colleagues), but survivor activism prevailed.
• Activism Made the Difference:
  The unrelenting advocacy of survivors, who publicly shared traumatic stories, was the key force behind the bill's passage.
  • Host, Jen Psaki (09:26):
    “They took on the most powerful person in the world and they won. And tonight, their stories are more important than ever.”

2. Survivor Testimony: Charlene Richard’s Story

(11:55–21:46, 23:09–29:07)

Why Speak Out Now?

• Charlene Richard (12:36):
  “Because I finally feel safe to be able to come out and tell my story and I feel that it’s time. Today is a monumental day, and I feel like we’re making history...”

Entry into Epstein’s World

• Met Epstein as a teenage model, highlighting how the modeling industry can function as a network for predators.
  • Charlene Richard (14:44):
    “He was heavily involved in the modeling system... It can be worked as a different kind of system for predators... I really want all the young girls and boys... to understand what a predator is, what the signs are...”

Abuse, Trafficking, and Complicity

• Was trafficked as a minor to various locations—including Epstein’s island and Mar-a-Lago—through “model parties.”
• When asked directly about Trump’s awareness, she replied:
  • Charlene Richard (17:27):
    “I don’t know if he was aware. Actually, I can’t answer that. I’m sorry.”
• She confirms she was trafficked to other people but declines to name names due to safety and legal fears.
  • Charlene Richard (18:36):
    “Terrible things had happened to me within my time with dealing with Jeffrey Epstein. I had encounters with people that I would rather not have.”

The Fear of Naming Names

• Survivors detail the very real dangers (legal and physical) of naming powerful men involved.
  • Sky Roberts (19:20):
    “These rich and powerful men... can sue you into homelessness would be a big part of it. But B, it puts serious threat on your life and your family’s life... There were times where my sister was sitting across people and they would push a picture of her own children in front of her and essentially say, I know where your kids go to school.”

On “The List” and Remaining Secrets

• Some abusers’ names are publicly unknown and not currently on released lists.
  • Host (20:43), Charlene Richard (20:46):
    “Are there names out there that have not been out there yet?”
    “Yes.”
  • Host (20:47):
    “That you were trafficked to?”
    Charlene Richard: “There’s names of people that are out there that are not on the list.”

Notable Quote

• Survivor’s message to Trump and those seeking to silence victims:
  • (05:03) “I am traumatized. I am not stupid. I am traumatized. I am not stupid.”

3. The Fight for Justice & the Role of Allies

(23:09–29:07)

• Survivor Community:
  The testimonies and shared struggle create a sense of solidarity and hope, even as the fight continues.

  • Amanda Roberts (23:52):
    “For the very first time, that Vote yes was an acknowledgement for survivors that this did happen, that they are truth tellers, that we see them, that we believe them...”

• Charlene Richard (25:25):
  “Today means that we’re actually being seen. It means that maybe transparency is possible, maybe justice will be served. Maybe all of the people that have been through this, not just Epstein survivors, but this is where for everybody, this is for America...”

• Tribute to Virginia Giuffre:
  Her courage and activism are cited as foundational to this moment. Survivors wear butterflies in her memory.

  • Sky Roberts (28:18):
    “She did it. She paved the way... It’s acknowledgment to my sister that she was a truth teller this whole time.”

• Ongoing Fears about Implementation:
  Survivors, their advocates, and some lawmakers suspect the Trump administration may use new investigations or loopholes (ongoing prosecutions, national security) to delay or block full file releases.

  • Amanda Roberts (26:38):
    “That potentially this could be another stone wall that could be thrown out at them... Help us with legislation. Help us figure out the pathways and maneuvers around these roadblocks that we keep hitting over and over again.”

4. Legislative Details & Oversight Challenges

(29:18–41:39)

Mechanics of the Bill's File Release

• DOJ (Attorney General Pam Bondi) is mandated to release all relevant, unclassified Epstein-related files within 30 days of presidential signing—but files that jeopardize ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
  • Host (31:53):
    “If Trump signs a bill tomorrow... logistically, how do you expect that will happen? Like, is it going to all get dumped on the DOJ website at some point or how will the information go out?”

Congressman Robert Garcia on Next Steps

• Skepticism About Compliance:
  Garcia expects the administration may release already public or selective documents, possibly stall with new “sham” investigations.
  • Garcia (31:53):
    “He might choose to be very selective in what he actually sends a committee... or he might try to stall the whole thing through this new sham investigation that he’s now launching.”
• Ongoing Bipartisanship is Fragile:
  Some Republicans joined only after Trump “gave the OK,” and Garcia has low confidence the support will hold under further pressure.
  • Garcia (34:23):
    “A vast majority still will do whatever Donald Trump wants them to do... it was only until Donald Trump gave them the okay that a majority... had any sort of interest in telling that story for the survivors.”
• Redactions and Loopholes:
  There are concerns Trump’s DOJ will overuse redactions and ongoing investigations to hide key documents.
  • Garcia (37:41):
    “We have to watch this investigation the DOJ is launching into apparently political enemies of the president... That investigation... is going to be used as a way for the DOJ to then keep important information and documents from the American public, the Congress, and our committee.”

Expanding Congressional Investigation

• New subpoenas have gone out to JP Morgan Chase & Deutsche Bank, seeking Epstein’s financial records to trace money and complicit partners.
  • Garcia (39:48):
    “These banks and this financial information is critical in understanding who was paying Jeffrey Epstein, who Jeffrey Epstein was paying, and what powerful men were essentially money laundering through Epstein in this enormous trafficking ring.”

Ongoing Communication with Epstein Estate

• The committee has also been receiving emails and documents from the Epstein estate and promises to make them public as soon as possible.
  • Garcia (41:10):
    “Anything and any document that we get, we want to make public to the American people.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Survivor direct address (to Trump):
  (05:03) “I am traumatized. I am not stupid.”
• On the bipartisan change:
  (00:49) “The power of the stories of these survivors... was no match for the pressure from Donald Trump and Mike Johnson... None of it worked. They failed.”
• On survivor solidarity:
  (13:37) Amanda Roberts: “Virginia stays alive through all of us.”
• On redacting abuser names:
  (19:20) Sky Roberts: “These rich and powerful men... can sue you into homelessness... it puts serious threat on your life and your family’s life.”
• On being seen:
  (25:25) Charlene Richard: “Today means that we’re actually being seen... this is for America.”
• On ongoing resistance:
  (37:41) Garcia: “Donald Trump, from day one, has not wanted to release these files... [But] whether Donald Trump wants it or not, we’re going to get all of those files released.”

Key Timestamps

• Bill details & political resistance: 00:49–09:26
• Historic moment for survivors: 09:26–11:55
• Charlene Richard’s testimony, first half: 11:55–21:46
• On naming names & “the list”: 18:36–20:56
• Hope, progress, and survivor advocacy: 23:09–29:07
• Garcia on bill mechanics and oversight: 31:53–41:39
• Discussion of financial subpoenas: 39:48–41:39

Conclusion

This episode captures a pivotal moment in the fight for accountability and transparency in the Epstein case, emphasizing that survivor advocacy—not political leadership—is driving real change. While passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act brings hope, both survivors and lawmakers recognize significant challenges remain to ensure true justice and prevent further cover-up. The path forward will require persistent public pressure, continued bipartisan congressional action, and above all, the courage of survivors speaking their truth.