The Briefing with Jen Psaki: Trump's Epstein Turmoil Triggers MAGA Meltdown

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Jen Psaki
Podcast: MSNBC's The Briefing with Jen Psaki
Episode Title: Trump's Epstein Turmoil Triggers MAGA Meltdown

1. Introduction: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino's MIA Status

The episode opens with Jen Psaki addressing the sudden absence of Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino from work. Psaki expresses uncertainty about Bongino's return and speculates on potential exits within the Trump-era administration.

Jen Psaki [00:00]: "Today, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino apparently did not show up to work... Who knows? We'll see."

2. The Epstein Files and MAGA Conspiracy Theories

Psaki delves into the convoluted narrative surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's case as perceived by the MAGA faction. She outlines the initial excitement fueled by Attorney General Pam Bondi's distribution of "Epstein files" binders to MAGA influencers and the subsequent disappointment when the files were declared nonexistent.

Jen Psaki [01:29]: "Attorney General Pam Bondi handed out binders labeled the Epstein files, Phase one... they were pumped. They were finally going to get access to this stuff."

The discussion highlights the shift from hope to frustration within the MAGA community following Bondi's memo stating Epstein did not kill himself as purportedly revealed.

Pam Bondi [03:48]: "It's insulting our intelligence... the Trump administration is trying to cover up."

3. Internal Strife Within the Trump Administration

The episode explores the tensions among key figures in the Trump administration, particularly focusing on a reported heated meeting involving Pam Bondi, Susie Wiles, Kash Patel, and Dan Bongino. The New York Times' description of the conflict suggests deep-seated frustrations over the handling of the Epstein case.

Dan Bongino [07:34]: "People ask me all the time, do you like it? I say, no, I don't."

Bongino expresses nostalgia for his previous role as a podcaster, hinting at possible disillusionment with his current position.

4. Congressman Jamie Raskin's Demand for Transparency

Joining Psaki is Congressman Jamie Raskin, who, alongside other Democrats, is urging the release of any mentions of Donald Trump in the Justice Department's Epstein files. Raskin draws parallels between the MAGA base's demands and his own party's pursuit of transparency.

Jamie Raskin [09:29]: "There are a lot of facts there that the public should know about... we should just release it the way that if there had been a trial, had Mr. Epstein not died, all of this would have been public information."

Raskin emphasizes the importance of transparency to quell suspicions of a cover-up, advocating for a bipartisan approach to releasing the files.

5. Trump's Immigration Policies and Public Opinion Decline

Psaki shifts focus to President Trump's immigration agenda, highlighting a significant shift in public opinion. A recent Gallup poll reveals a 27-point decline in approval of Trump's handling of immigration, with notable changes even among Republicans.

Jen Psaki [18:08]: "Less than six months into his presidency, a new Gallup poll finds that Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration by a whopping 27-point margin."

The discussion underscores how visible immigration enforcement actions, such as ICE raids, are eroding Trump's support base.

Pam Bondi [22:47]: "ICE officers and Border Patrol... they just need to justify their actions based on location, occupation, physical appearance, actions."

6. Judicial Ruling on ICE Practices in California

A pivotal moment in the episode is the announcement of a federal judge's tentative ruling against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics in Southern and Central California. The temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibits stops and arrests based on race, ethnicity, language, or occupation.

Jen Psaki [26:42]: "The Stop Arrest Plaintiffs Ex Parte Application for TRO Temporary Restraining Order is granted... the order bars the Trump administration from stopping people to arrest them on the basis of race or ethnicity."

Congressman Jimmy Gomez and Eric Swalwell discuss the implications of this ruling, emphasizing its potential to curb unlawful ICE activities.

7. FEMA's Inadequate Response to Texas Floods

Psaki highlights governmental shortcomings in disaster response, citing FEMA's failure to answer thousands of calls from flood survivors in Texas. The root cause is identified as the layoff of hundreds of call center workers, exacerbated by delayed contract renewals.

Jen Psaki [31:13]: "FEMA not answering thousands of calls from survivors of the Texas floods... they laid off hundreds of call center workers on July 5th."

Tom Homan criticizes the Trump administration for prioritizing political agendas over effective disaster response.

Tom Homan [31:13]: "The Trump administration has failed the American people... they're just up for the likes and they're up for trolling, but they're not up for helping people."

8. Maine Senate Race: Jordan Wood Challenges Susan Collins

The episode transitions to the political landscape of Maine, where Jordan Wood, a Democratic candidate, is set to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Wood emphasizes grassroots campaigning and securing substantial early fundraising, contrasting Collins' long-term incumbency and fundraising prowess.

Jordan Wood [34:20]: "We are tired of politicians who have defended a status quo that is broken... I'm willing to go fight for it."

Wood addresses skepticism from within his party regarding his viability against Collins, asserting his commitment to representing Mainers' interests.

9. The Vital Role of Local Journalism: Hooker County Tribune

Concluding the episode, Psaki underscores the importance of local journalism through the example of Hooker County, Nebraska. Despite its small population, the Hooker County Tribune thrives with more subscribers than residents, serving as a beacon against the national decline in local news coverage.

Jen Psaki [32:25]: "Local journalism is many ways important to the lifeblood of our democracy... supporting and subscribing to your local newspapers is a way to stop this trend."

The segment calls listeners to support their local news outlets to ensure the vitality of their communities and democratic processes.

10. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Jen Psaki wraps up the episode by previewing upcoming discussions on the Democratic strategy to reclaim the Senate, particularly focusing on the pivotal race in Maine. She encourages listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and interviews.

Jen Psaki [38:19]: "Coming up next, the road to Democrats taking back control of the Senate might just run through Maine... we'll see."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jen Psaki [00:00]: "Dan Bongino apparently did not show up to work... Who knows? We'll see."

• Pam Bondi [03:48]: "It's insulting our intelligence... the Trump administration is trying to cover up."

• Dan Bongino [07:34]: "People ask me all the time, do you like it? I say, no, I don't."

• Jamie Raskin [09:29]: "If it's blank pieces of paper, I'm certain they would release it right away."

• Jen Psaki [18:08]: "Less than six months into his presidency, a new Gallup poll finds that Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration by a whopping 27-point margin."

• Pam Bondi [22:47]: "ICE officers and Border Patrol... they just need to justify their actions based on location, occupation, physical appearance, actions."

• Jordan Wood [34:20]: "We are tired of politicians who have defended a status quo that is broken... I'm willing to go fight for it."

• Jen Psaki [32:25]: "Local journalism is many ways important to the lifeblood of our democracy... supporting and subscribing to your local newspapers is a way to stop this trend."

Key Takeaways

1. Internal Conflicts: The Trump-era administration is experiencing significant internal strife, particularly concerning the handling of the Epstein files, leading to potential exits like that of Dan Bongino.

2. Transparency Demands: Democratic leaders like Jamie Raskin are pressing for full transparency regarding the Epstein case, suggesting possible high-level implications.

3. Shift in Public Opinion: Trump's immigration policies, once a cornerstone of his political support, are rapidly losing favor among both the general public and traditional Republican voters.

4. Judicial Intervention: A federal judge's ruling against discriminatory ICE practices marks a critical setback for the Trump administration's immigration agenda.

5. Governmental Shortcomings: FEMA's inadequate response to the Texas floods reflects broader issues within the Trump administration's crisis management.

6. Political Challenges: In Maine, Democratic candidate Jordan Wood aims to unseat long-term Republican Senator Susan Collins by focusing on grassroots support and addressing constituents' immediate concerns.

7. Importance of Local Media: The success of the Hooker County Tribune serves as a model for combating national declines in local journalism, emphasizing the need for community-supported news outlets.

This summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions from the July 12, 2025, episode of The Briefing with Jen Psaki, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the key issues and debates shaping the current political landscape.