The Daily Show: Ears Edition – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Episode Title: Trump Dodges Epstein by Attacking Obama, Dropping MLK Files & Trying To Change Coke | Rob Franklin
Host: Josh Johnson
Guest: Rob Franklin, Author of "Great Black Hope"

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Josh Johnson delves into the latest political maneuvers of former President Donald Trump as he attempts to divert attention from the controversial Epstein files. The episode is structured around Trump's various distraction tactics, including his attacks on Barack Obama, the contentious release of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) files, and his unusual move to alter the Coca-Cola recipe. The show also features a compelling interview with writer Rob Franklin, discussing his novel "Great Black Hope."

2. Trump's Tactics to Divert from Epstein Files

Josh Johnson opens the discussion by addressing Donald Trump's apparent desperation to move past the Epstein files. He highlights Trump's efforts to distract the media and public through various means.

• Attack on Obama: Johnson sarcastically notes Trump's continued focus on former President Obama, deeming it an outdated and ineffective distraction.

  Josh Johnson [04:45]: "Trump has been going after Obama for decades. He's not. He's gonna need something else. Something juicy."

• Health Updates: The host criticizes the White House's recent health announcement about Trump being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, mocking the triviality and questionable relevance of the information.

  Josh Johnson [05:04]: "Doctors tell us it means there isn't adequate blood flow to the veins in the legs, which can cause swelling. Oh, no. Look at that ankle."

• Coca-Cola Recipe Change: Johnson ridicules Trump's claim of convincing Coca-Cola to switch to real cane sugar, viewing it as an insignificant and out-of-touch move.

  Josh Johnson [07:27]: "President Trump says he's convinced Coca Cola to change its recipe. This is so insulting."

3. Controversial Release of MLK Files

The episode takes a sharp turn as Josh discusses the Trump administration's release of over 230,000 pages related to MLK's assassination—a move perceived as a significant yet suspicious distraction.

• Grace Kuhlenschmidt's Claims: Host Josh engages with Grace Kuhlenschmidt from the Department of Justice, who presents seemingly fabricated MLK files, including a dubious audio recording.

  Grace Kuhlenschmidt [11:15]: "Like this secret audio recording of MLK on a vintage iPod mini from 1963."

  Josh quickly debunks these claims, questioning the authenticity of the files.

  Josh Johnson [12:25]: "It's not suspicious to you that all these secret files exonerate Trump from knowing Epstein?"

• Debunking the Fake Files: The conversation exposes the fabricated nature of the MLK files, highlighting inconsistencies and outright fabrications.

  Josh Johnson [13:00]: "MLK's letter from a Birmingham jail was never secret. We all read it in school."

  Grace Kuhlenschmidt [13:55]: "P.S. fun fact about jail. Lots of pedophiles kill themselves here. It's a totally normal thing that shouldn't be investigated."

  Josh concludes the segment by dismissing the credibility of the released files.

  Josh Johnson [14:03]: "Thank God Almighty Donald Trump has never met Jeffrey Epstein."

4. Charlemagne tha God's Perspective on Presidential Mental Health

In a candid segment, Charlemagne tha God enters the conversation, shifting focus to the mental and physical state of politicians, drawing parallels between Trump and President Joe Biden.

• Critique of Biden's Mental State: Charlemagne questions the ongoing investigations into Biden's cognitive abilities, suggesting that the media is fixated on his age rather than substantive issues.

  Charlemagne tha God [16:46]: "That Joe Biden was old... Members of the House Oversight Committee are looking into former President Biden's mental state and his use of the auto pen while in office."

• Comparison Between Trump and Biden: The discussion evolves into comparing the mental faculties of both leaders, with Charlemagne asserting that Trump's erratic behavior is more concerning.

  Charlemagne tha God [19:51]: "Donald, do you remember that you appointed Jerome Powell to be chairman of the Federal Reserve in 2018?"

• Dementia Symptoms Analysis: Charlemagne humorously evaluates Trump's behavior against dementia symptoms, emphasizing the President's volatile demeanor.

  Charlemagne tha God [20:20]: "Trump's Tariff policy is 5D chess, and all 5D's stand for dementia."

  Charlemagne tha God [21:06]: "Well, the bad news is Trump has rage issues. The good news is there's no way he's remembering the nuclear codes."

5. Interview with Rob Franklin on "Great Black Hope"

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Rob Franklin, the acclaimed author of "Great Black Hope." The conversation explores themes of race, class, privilege, and personal identity through Franklin's literary work.

• Discussion on Tall Privilege: Josh begins with light-hearted banter about Franklin's height as an entry point into deeper discussions about privilege.

  Josh Johnson [25:56]: "Do you feel it? Do you walk around with it? Are you aware of it?"

• Exploration of Smith’s Character: Franklin delves into his protagonist, Smith, a black queer man navigating the complexities of race and class within the criminal justice system.

  Rob Franklin [26:58]: "Smith is a black queer, 20-something... forced to contend with questions of race, class, privilege..."

• Impact of Respectability Politics: The author discusses how Smith's adherence to black respectability politics serves as both a shield and a source of internal conflict.

  Rob Franklin [31:12]: "Smith feels like he needs to present a certain way, speak a certain way... But that strict adherence becomes something that eats him from the inside out."

• Theme of Luck and Inequality: Franklin reflects on the role of luck in personal success and adversity, highlighting the inherent unfairness in societal structures.

  Rob Franklin [33:04]: "Smith is a character who has always benefited from a great deal of luck. Until recently, nothing really bad had ever really happened to him."

• Interpersonal Dynamics and Intimacy: The discussion touches on Smith's relationships, particularly with Carolyn, and how mutual understanding is hindered by their respective struggles with identity and pain.

  Rob Franklin [36:16]: "Smith is realizing that the desire to be in a contest of pain is ultimately at odds with true intimacy and showing love to people."

• Closing Interaction: High Five Moment: In a unique closing gesture, Josh and Franklin engage in a high-five, emphasizing Franklin's height and camaraderie.

  Josh Johnson [36:51]: "Rob Franklin, everyone. Check out the book 'Great Black Hope.' It's available now."

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a humorous skit mocking Trump's promises to release the Epstein client list, underscoring public skepticism.

Josh Johnson [37:50]: "His allies promise their base. We are going to deliver the Epstein client list that's going to take down all of your democratic enemies. Well, yes. Bring it, Donald, please. Nobody gives a poop."

Final Takeaway:
This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition effectively combines sharp political satire with meaningful literary discussion, offering listeners both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on contemporary issues surrounding political distractions and the interplay of race and class in personal narratives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Josh Johnson [04:45]: "Trump has been going after Obama for decades. He's not. He's gonna need something else. Something juicy."
• Grace Kuhlenschmidt [11:15]: "Like this secret audio recording of MLK on a vintage iPod mini from 1963."
• Charlemagne tha God [16:46]: "That Joe Biden was old... Members of the House Oversight Committee are looking into former President Biden's mental state and his use of the auto pen while in office."
• Rob Franklin [26:58]: "Smith is a black queer, 20-something... forced to contend with questions of race, class, privilege..."
• Josh Johnson [37:50]: "His allies promise their base. We are going to deliver the Epstein client list that's going to take down all of your democratic enemies. Well, yes. Bring it, Donald, please. Nobody gives a poop."

For those interested in exploring more in-depth analyses and exclusive interviews, consider tuning into The Daily Show: Ears Edition available on ParamountShop.com with a discount code "TDS20" for 20% off all products.