The Daily Show: Ears Edition – "DOJ Erases Epstein & Netanyahu Kisses Trump's Ass With Peace Prize Nom"

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts
Guest: Michael Kosta (Executive Editor, The New Yorker & Author of "Strangers in Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America")

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, hosted by the comedic duo Ronny Chieng and Ryan Check, the team delves into a mix of current events and insightful discussions. The episode covers significant headlines, including the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) policy changes, former President Donald Trump's interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, developments surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's case, and ongoing trade tensions spearheaded by Trump. The episode culminates with an in-depth interview with Michael Kosta, who shares insights from his latest book on the history and struggles of Chinese Americans.

TSA Policy Change: Shoes Off No More

Timestamp: [00:13] – [01:28]

The episode opens with Ronny Chieng humorously addressing the recent decision by the TSA to cease the mandatory removal of shoes at security checkpoints. Highlighting public frustration with the previous policy, Chieng quips:

"Just like Asians when white people visit. Just take your shoes off, you barbarians." ([01:28])

He further satirizes the scenario by mocking the motivations behind the policy change, suggesting it's a response to outdated security threats.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu's Dinner

Timestamp: [01:28] – [03:27]

Transitioning to international politics, Chieng discusses former President Donald Trump's dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The centerpiece of this meeting was Netanyahu's letter nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump reacts with surprise and gratitude:

"Thank you very much. This I didn't know. Well, thank you very much coming from you in Particular, this is very meaningful." ([03:04])

Chieng humorously critiques the sincerity and potential motivations behind the nomination, implying it may be a strategic move to secure continued military aid for Israel.

Jeffrey Epstein Case: DOJ's Controversial Stance

Timestamp: [03:27] – [10:30]

One of the most contentious topics covered is the Department of Justice's (DOJ) announcement regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Initially, there were suggestions of a high-profile client list and mysterious circumstances surrounding Epstein's death. However, the DOJ later claims:

"Jeffrey Epstein did not have a client list. He did not get murdered in prison. He actually never even existed." ([08:08])

Chieng expresses skepticism and frustration with the DOJ's contradictory statements, leading to a series of comedic exchanges questioning the validity of the information. The segment satirizes conspiracy theories and the public's distrust in governmental transparency.

Notable Moments:

• Missing Surveillance Footage:
  The DOJ released footage purportedly showing the view from Epstein's cell, yet a crucial minute appears to be missing:

  "What is going on here? Why would they edit out 61 seconds?" ([06:18])

• Trump's Dismissive Response:
  When pressed by Chieng about the Epstein case, Trump downplays its significance:

  "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable." ([06:37])

The segment concludes with the host doubling down on the lack of transparency, mocking the DOJ's handling of the case.

Trade War and Trump's Tariff Strategy

Timestamp: [10:30] – [15:50]

The discussion shifts to the ongoing trade war, highlighting President Trump's unilateral imposition of tariffs on various countries. Chieng critiques Trump's strategy of sending threatening letters to world leaders instead of engaging in negotiations:

"He's imposing tariffs on you starting tomorrow unless you say no. Then it's August 1st. I'm not firm." ([14:31])

Key Points:

• Delayed Tariffs: Originally set to take effect immediately, the tariffs were postponed to August 1st, only for Trump to later state they are "firm, but not 100% firm." ([12:13])

• Treasury Secretary's Defense: Treasury Secretary Besant attempts to clarify the administration's stance, but Chieng dismisses the explanation, emphasizing the lack of genuine negotiation.

The segment lampoons the inefficacy and confusion surrounding the trade policies, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Trump's decision-making.

Interview with Michael Kosta: Exploring Asian American History

Timestamp: [15:50] – [32:43]

The latter part of the episode features an in-depth interview with Michael Kosta, executive editor at The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America." The conversation delves into the historical challenges faced by Chinese Americans and the broader implications for immigrant groups in the United States.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Historical Injustices:

   • Mass Lynching in Los Angeles (1871):
     Kosta highlights the tragic event where 19 Chinese individuals were killed, with 18 lynched, underscoring the severe racial violence of the era.

   • The "Driving Out" Period (1885-1886):
     Approximately 200 American western communities violently expelled Chinese residents, reflecting systemic efforts to marginalize and remove Asian populations.

2. Legal Landmarks:

   • Wong Kim Ark Case:
     Kosta discusses the landmark Supreme Court case affirming birthright citizenship, a pivotal moment ensuring that individuals born in the U.S. are recognized as citizens regardless of their parents' nationality.

3. Contemporary Relevance:

   • Racial Abuse and Solidarity:
     Drawing parallels between historical prejudices and modern-day discrimination, Kosta emphasizes the importance of understanding history to foster empathy and unity among diverse communities.

4. Personal Motivations:

   • Catalyst Incident:
     Kosta recounts a personal experience where a woman told him to "go back to China," inspiring him to write about the pervasive sense of otherness felt by Asian Americans.

Notable Quotes:

• "This history goes back more than a century and it's part of the American story." ([18:03])
• "There were no federal laws regulating immigration until the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882." ([23:51])
• "The feeling of belonging remains elusive. The question is, how are we going to get there?" ([31:39])

Conclusion of Interview:

Kosta emphasizes the resilience of Chinese Americans and the significance of representation and storytelling in achieving true belonging and equality. He dedicates his book to his daughters, hoping for a future where they find their rightful place in America.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Ronny Chieng commends Michael Kosta for shedding light on often-overlooked aspects of American history, stressing the necessity of acknowledging and learning from the past to build a more inclusive future.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends humor with serious discourse, addressing pressing societal issues while providing historical context. By featuring Michael Kosta's insights, the show not only entertains but also educates listeners on the nuanced experiences of Asian Americans, emphasizing the enduring impact of history on present-day dynamics.

For more episodes, listen and subscribe to The Daily Show: Ears Edition on your preferred podcast platform. Watch the show weeknights on Comedy Central at 11/10c or stream it on Paramount+.