The Briefing with Jen Psaki: "TRUMP TRAIN WRECK: Wheels Come Off as Trump Throws Crash Out Tantrum Over Epstein Files"

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki, MSNBC
Description: Jen Psaki delves into the tumultuous developments surrounding former President Donald Trump, focusing on his erratic behavior, the ongoing Epstein files controversy, internal GOP conflicts, and significant legislative battles. Featuring insightful interviews with key political figures, including Congressman Ro Khanna and Senator Adam Schiff.

1. Introduction to the Current Political Turmoil

Jen Psaki opens the episode by highlighting the latest upheavals in the political landscape, centered around Donald Trump's unpredictable actions and the escalating crisis related to the Jeffrey Epstein files. The discussion sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how these events are reshaping Republican dynamics and fueling Congressional debates.

2. President Trump's Erratic Behavior

Unabomber Comments: Jen Psaki addresses a recent incident where Trump made baffling remarks at an AI summit in Pittsburgh.

• Timestamp [01:55]:
  Trump: “My uncle was at MIT, one of the great professors, 51 years, whatever. He was longest serving professor in the history of MIT. Kaczynski was one of his students. Do you know who Kaczynski was? There's very little difference between a madman and a genius. But Kaczynski, I said, what kind of a student was he? Uncle John, Dr. John Trump? He said, what kind of a student? And then he said, seriously good. He said he'd go around correcting everybody. But it didn't work out too well for him.”

Psaki critiques the President’s inaccurate claims, noting that Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, never attended MIT and that Trump’s uncle, Dr. John Trump, passed away in 1985, long before Kaczynski was identified.

Federal Reserve Chairman Remarks: Trump continues to display a lack of awareness regarding his own administration's appointments.

• Timestamp [03:44]:
  Trump: “He's a terrible Fed chair. I was surprised he was appointed.”

Psaki points out the irony, emphasizing that Trump himself nominated Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chairman during his first term, highlighting Trump's apparent memory lapses.

3. The Epstein Files Controversy

Trump's Blunders and Contradictions: Trump’s mishandling of the Epstein files has ignited significant backlash.

• Timestamp [04:46]:
  Trump: “In the case of Epstein. They've already looked at it and they are looking at it and I think all they have to do is put out anything credible but you know, that was run by the Biden administration for four years. I can imagine what they put into files.”

Psaki underscores Trump's confusion, reminding listeners that significant events related to Epstein occurred during Trump's presidency, not Biden’s.

Lashing Out at Supporters: As pressure mounts, Trump turns against his own base for believing in his promises.

• Timestamp [05:00] - [07:17]:
  Trump: “It's all been a big hoax. It's perpetrated by the Democrats and some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net. … they're stupid, stupid people.”

Psaki describes this as an uncharacteristic and "unhinged" move, noting that even Trump’s supporters initially doubted the authenticity of his aggressive posts before he reaffirmed them on camera.

Public Opinion and Polling: Despite Trump's denouncement, polls indicate a significant portion of his base still believes in the Epstein file conspiracies.

• Polling Insights:
  • Politico: 61% of Trump voters believe law enforcement is withholding information on powerful individuals connected to Epstein.
  • CNN Poll: Only 4% of Republicans are satisfied with information released about Epstein.
  • YouGov Poll: 50% of Republicans think the government is concealing evidence related to the Epstein case.

4. Congressional Efforts to Release Epstein Files

Interview with Congressman Ro Khanna: Jen Psaki engages with Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, who is spearheading efforts to compel the release of the Epstein files.

• Timestamp [12:20]:
  Ro Khanna: “It does two things. First, it forces a vote on the House floor… And second, it would compel the release of all Epstein files while making it explicitly clear that victims are protected and no child pornography gets released.”

Khanna collaborates with Republican Thomas Massie and has secured support from seven other Republicans, signaling a fracture within the GOP base.

• Timestamp [13:53]:
  Ro Khanna: “...MAGA base really is disappointed in Donald Trump. ...he's not releasing [the files].”

Khanna emphasizes that releasing the files is crucial for restoring public trust in the government, which has plummeted to "the teens" in recent years.

5. DOJ's Firing of Maureen Comey

The episode delves into the dismissal of Maureen Comey, a respected DOJ prosecutor and daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who played a pivotal role in prosecuting Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

• Timestamp [28:55]:
  Senator Adam Schiff: “None of this is good news for the Trump administration... why would they fire her now? ...Donald Trump is at the point of calling his own supporters weaklings who bought into this bullshit that he was peddling...”

Schiff contends that Comey's firing could be retaliation for her role in high-profile prosecutions and criticizes the administration for fueling conspiracy theories that erode trust.

6. Emil Bovey's Nomination and Senate Judiciary Battles

Senator Adam Schiff’s Analysis: Schiff discusses the controversial nomination of Emil Bovey to a federal judgeship despite significant misconduct allegations.

• Timestamp [20:55] - [25:45]:
  Senator Adam Schiff: “...Emil Bovey had a case he was supervising was essentially misleading the court, withholding exculpatory evidence...”

Schiff criticizes the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chuck Grassley, for obstructing hearings and facilitating Bovey’s confirmation despite overwhelming opposition from former judges and DOJ lawyers.

• Timestamp [25:27]:
  Senator Adam Schiff: “...this administration is just one more extreme nominee...”

He expresses skepticism about the possibility of Republicans standing up against Trump's influence, citing past examples and the current political climate.

7. Republican Rescissions Package: Clawing Back Funds

Jen Psaki covers the Republican-led effort to retract previously allocated government funds, targeting public media and foreign aid.

Interview with Senator Mark Kelly: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly discusses the implications of the rescissions package.

• Timestamp [33:26] - [35:59]:
  Senator Mark Kelly: “...funding for public broadcasting, which isn't only about Daniel Tiger and Sesame Street... And this administration is stripping that away from them.”

Kelly emphasizes the essential role of emergency alert systems in rural areas, especially amidst ongoing natural disasters like wildfires and flash floods.

8. Immigration Agents' Use of Force: The Narciso Barranco Case

Psaki highlights a disturbing incident involving federal immigration agents abusing force against Narciso Barranco, a long-term U.S. resident with no criminal history.

• Timestamp [39:47] - [42:20]:
  Narration: "Federal immigration agents chasing pepper spraying and tackling 48-year-old landscaper Narciso Barranco… pinned to the ground and repeatedly punched him…"

The episode provides cautiously optimistic updates:

• Release from ICE Custody:
  Mr. Barranco was released after nearly three weeks in detention, with a heartfelt message from his son.

• Halting of Indiscriminate Raids:
  Following a federal judge’s order, mass raids at places like Home Depots and car washes have ceased, although the Trump administration has appealed the ruling.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jen Psaki wraps up the episode by summarizing the critical issues discussed, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by Trump’s actions, internal GOP strife, and legislative battles over transparency and funding. She encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged as these political dramas continue to unfold.

This episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki provides a comprehensive analysis of the chaotic interplay between former President Trump’s unpredictable maneuvers, the contentious Epstein files saga, and the broader implications for American politics and governance. Through expert interviews and detailed reporting, Psaki ensures listeners are well-informed about the pressing issues shaping the nation.