Summary of "Why Trump Is Angry About Epsteinmania" – Commentary Magazine Podcast (July 16, 2025)
Introduction
In the July 16, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosted by Jon Podhoretz, the discussion centers around former President Donald Trump's frustration with the resurgence of interest in Jeffrey Epstein's case, a phenomenon the hosts term "Epsteinmania." Alongside executive editor Abe Greenwald, senior editor Seth Mandel, and Washington Commentary columnist Matthew Continetti, Podhoretz delves into the interplay between MAGA media, mainstream media, and the ongoing legal and political ramifications of the Epstein saga.
Epstein Files and MAGA Media Alignment
Podhoretz kicks off the discussion by referencing an op-ed by Alan Dershowitz, Epstein's lawyer, which dismisses claims of a governmental conspiracy involving Epstein's files.
Jon Podhoretz [02:13]: "There is an impressive op-ed today by Alan Dershowitz, who was Epstein's lawyer, that basically puts this entire thing to rest."
Continetti observes an unusual alliance between MAGA media and mainstream media in addressing the Epstein files, contrasting it with past divisive issues.
Matthew Continetti [05:30]: "Yeah, I mean, look, we all know that Trump wants the story to die, but he's learning the hard way that the Epstein story is not going to kill itself."
The hosts note that this rare convergence may be driven by Democrats seeking to exploit the narrative to create friction between Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s Response and the Persistence of Epsteinmania
Trump's attempts to quell the Epstein narrative are analyzed, highlighting his strategy of labeling persistent coverage as the domain of "bad people."
Jon Podhoretz [05:30]: "Trump has decided that he wants this story dead. And he is making it clear that... if you keep talking about this, you are a bad person."
However, it's argued that Trump's interventions inadvertently sustain the story's momentum.
Unnamed Speaker [06:27]: "The problem is every time... he intervenes, he ends up keeping the story alive."
Supreme Court’s Role and the Administrative State
The conversation shifts to recent Supreme Court rulings supporting Trump's administrative actions, particularly regarding staffing cuts at the Department of Education.
Jon Podhoretz [56:44]: "It's not comparable precisely, but it is the same principle that the person who runs the thing decides how many people it takes to run the thing."
Podhoretz criticizes dissenting opinions, specifically Sonia Sotomayor's, claiming they contain factual inaccuracies about the Department of Education's history.
Media Criticism and Counterarguments
An op-ed by New York Times columnist Adam Liptak is scrutinized for its portrayal of the Supreme Court's decisions as power exercises devoid of reasoning.
Jon Podhoretz [25:38]: "The New York Times... called it 'an exercise of power, not reason.'"
Mandel and Continetti counter these views by defending the Supreme Court's actions as necessary responses to lower courts' overreach.
Seth Mandel [27:53]: "District judges are trying to find workarounds against the Supreme Court."
Foreign Aid, USAID, and Rescission Policy
The hosts discuss the Trump administration's stance on foreign aid, emphasizing Trump's rejection of "soft power" strategies.
Jon Podhoretz [70:00]: "Trump administration... explicitly said it does not believe in soft power."
They explain the concept of rescission—where the administration seeks to reduce allocated funding—which marks a significant shift in the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.
Jon Podhoretz [56:44]: "Rescission is the act Congress authorizes and appropriates money to be spent... The President... could say, 'I'm not spending it.'"
The potential impacts of proposed rescission bills in the Senate are explored, including substantial cuts to programs like PEPFAR.
University Anti-Semitism and Political Repercussions
A significant portion of the episode addresses recent congressional hearings on anti-Semitism in universities, highlighting Republican criticisms of institutional biases.
Jon Podhoretz [61:32]: "University presidents went before the House to talk about how they were handling matters of anti-Semitism."
The hosts critique the responses from university leaders, accusing them of failing to adequately address pervasive anti-Semitic sentiments and policies.
Jon Podhoretz [66:47]: "So the very fact that these people are being brought before Congress... because what they're spending it on is Jonathan A.R. Brown's faculty assistant and not on curing cancer."
Closing Remarks and Tribute
As the podcast concludes, Podhoretz pays homage to the late Saul Stern, a respected scholar and former contributor to Commentary Magazine. Stern's work on American communism and his staunch defense against anti-Zionism are lauded as significant contributions to intellectual discourse.
Jon Podhoretz [74:14]: "I just wanted to acknowledge the passing of a wonderful man... his final contribution to Commentary... was an absolutely remarkable piece."
Conclusion
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complexities surrounding Trump's displeasure with the renewed focus on Epstein, the unexpected collaboration between different media factions, and the broader implications for American politics and institutions. Through incisive discussion and critical examination, The Commentary Magazine Podcast offers listeners a nuanced perspective on current events impacting the political landscape.