The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 1 – Follow the Epstein Money
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Buck Sexton (live), Clay Travis (call-in from Rome)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the bipartisan drive for transparency in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, with a focus on the imminent release of federal records under the new Epstein Transparency Act. Buck breaks down the implications, lingering mysteries about Epstein’s finances, and political motivations behind both parties’ actions. The episode also features lighthearted moments as Clay calls in from Rome to recount his Vatican adventure and a meeting with the Pope, diverging briefly from the show’s typical political discussions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Epstein Transparency Act and Looming Document Release

• Unanimous Bipartisan Votes: Both the House and Senate have passed the Epstein Transparency Act, requiring the DOJ to release Epstein-related documents within 30 days once signed by the President.
  • “Once the president signs the bill, the Justice Department has 30 days to release materials related to Jeffrey Epstein.” (Buck, 05:04)
• Potential for Redaction and Continued Secrecy:
  • Buck foresees possible heavy redactions: “There may be further redactions that happen… if the redactions are extensive enough, then people will say that's not going to fly.” (Buck, 04:23)
  • Concern that if the files are heavily censored or reveal little, public trust will erode further and demands for truth will continue.
• Political Underpinnings:
  • Buck asserts that Democrats are using the moment to try to smear Trump, regardless of the evidence:
    • “No matter what happens here with the files, in terms of nothing on this is all about getting Trump for the Democrats.” (Buck, 09:47)
  • Speaker Johnson’s stance: “Democrats are using the Epstein tragedy… as a political weapon to try to distract from their failures as a party and to try their best to try to tie President Trump somehow into this wretched scandal.” (Speaker Johnson, 13:32)

2. Epstein’s Money Trail and Financial Records Subpoenas

• House Subpoenas to Major Banks:
  • In parallel to the act, the House has subpoenaed JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and the US Virgin Islands for Epstein’s financial records.
• Buck’s Analysis on the Mystery of Epstein’s Wealth:
  • “It is completely unthinkable… that we do not have a full accounting of how Epstein pulled together a fortune that was approaching a billion dollars. This guy did not create some new product… Tax advice is not one of them.” (Buck, 08:10)
  • Banks flagged 4,700 suspicious transactions connected to Epstein, highlighting the need to “follow the money.”
• Rhetorical Questions on Transparency:
  • Buck questions why such a high-profile case remains so opaque years later and why releasing these records has taken so long.
    • “How is it possible that we don't have a full and clear understanding of where all of Epstein's money came from?” (Buck, 10:02)

3. Political Weaponization and Trump’s Position

• No “Smoking Gun” Expected:
  • Buck expresses skepticism that the document release will implicate Trump or deliver shock revelations:
    • “I do not believe there will be a smoking gun.” (Buck, 16:40)
    • He distinguishes his view from that of Piers Morgan, who believes prosecutions could follow.
• Democrats’ Tactics:
  • Buck sees current Democratic outrage as opportunistic, noting prior disinterest during the Biden administration.
  • Chuck Schumer’s rhetoric is called out as overblown and inconsistent:
    • “In trying so hard to hide the truth, Donald Trump has provoked the fiercest rebellion he’s ever faced among his own supporters…” (Schumer, quoted by Buck, 14:36)
• Trump’s Motives and Reaction:
  • Trump reluctant but ultimately supportive of disclosure, depicted as responding to his base’s demand for transparency.
  • Buck notes that advanced AI tools could quickly identify Trump’s name in any files, refuting claims that manpower limits caused delays.

4. Public and Caller Reactions

• Callers Express Skepticism and Frustration:
  • Ron (St. Petersburg, FL): Laments that unity only exists over a dead man’s crimes, while Congress ignores critical issues like the economy. (43:56)
  • Anna (Raleigh, NC): Wants full disclosure and prosecution for all involved, hoping to end endless conspiracy. (45:27)
  • Sonny (Scottsdale, AZ, via talkback): Incensed at persistent attacks on Trump, noting the hypocrisy of Democrats who ignored the files until now. (46:28)

5. International Detour: Clay’s “Super Secret” Vatican Trip

• Clay Calls in Live from Rome:
  • Reveals his secret mission: He attended a Vatican audience to present the Pope with a signed Chicago White Sox jersey and invite him to throw the first pitch at a new stadium (organized with a law school classmate/future Sox owner).
    • “I am in Rome. I'm overlooking the tomb of Augustus. And I got to go and see the Pope today in the Vatican…” (Clay, 26:53)
    • "He seems really, really excited at the idea. He got a… 2005 White Sox jersey signed by the team, and the offer to pitch at the new stadium." (Clay, 28:39)
  • Describes the grandeur of the papal audience and Pope Francis’s tentative acceptance, pending scheduling.
• Buck’s Playful Interrogation:
  • Buck teases Clay about being a non-Catholic meeting the Pope and jokes about gelato and pasta.
  • Fan Sissy correctly guessed Clay’s mission in an email (“Super secret international mystery”), adding a fun “listener engagement” moment. (Sissy’s prediction and the aftermath, 32:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Buck:
  • “Tax advice is not one of them. It's just not one of them [ways to make a billion].” (08:17)
  • “They're haters. They're not detractors and they're deranged. In many cases, they hate him in a way that is, that is irrational and that is extreme to the point of being unhealthy. Trump derangement syndrome.” (13:52)
• Speaker Johnson (clip):
  • “Democrats are using the Epstein tragedy… as a political weapon to try to distract from their failures as a party and… to try to tie President Trump somehow into this wretched scandal.” (13:32)
• Chuck Schumer (quoted by Buck):
  • “This will go down as one of the most damaging moments of Donald Trump's presidency.” (14:33)
• Clay, from Rome:
  • “I got to go and see the Pope today in the Vatican… to invite the Pope to come to Chicago and throw out an opening pitch for the Chicago White Sox.” (26:53)
  • “He seems really, really excited at the idea. … He got a 2005 White Sox jersey signed by the team.” (28:39)
• Caller Anna (Raleigh, NC):
  • “I think it's about time that everything comes out about Epstein. All those that were involved… need to be prosecuted, end all the conspiracies, be done with it.” (45:36)
• Caller Sonny (Scottsdale, AZ):
  • “They had every chance to get the Epstein files open when Biden was in office and they did nothing. And now Trump is trying to be transparent with this… and they're still attacking him. Just pisses me off.” (46:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Transparency Act and Political Fallout:
  • [03:01–16:40] Buck’s main breakdown
  • [13:32] Speaker Johnson on Dem political weaponization
  • [14:33] Chuck Schumer’s rebuke (as quoted by Buck)
• Clay Travis in Rome/Vatican & Pope Meeting:
  • [26:53–33:23] Clay’s call-in: Rome, Vatican audience, and White Sox invite
• Callers React to Epstein Files:
  • [43:56] Ron (St. Petersburg, FL)
  • [45:27] Anna (Raleigh, NC)
  • [46:28] Sonny (Scottsdale, AZ, talkback)
• Buck on Epstein Money Mysteries:
  • [08:10] Analysis of Epstein’s wealth and financial trail
  • [10:02] Buck’s rhetorical transparency questions
• Buck’s Pessimism re: File Redactions:
  • [04:23] Concerns about future redactions

Conclusion/Takeaways

The episode delivers a broad, passionate analysis of the political, legal, and social questions swirling around the long-awaited release of the Epstein files. Buck expresses deep skepticism that major revelations or prosecutions will follow, blaming both bureaucracy and political opportunism for the delay and anticipation. Public and listener frustration is palpable; calls demand accountability and an end to secrecy. The light-hearted interlude of Clay’s papal visit serves as a memorable diversion and “slice of life” contrast to the episode’s heavier content.

For listeners wanting a succinct, informed update on the Epstein file drama, Congressional maneuvers, and why cynicism around transparency persists—this episode is essential.