Podcast Summary: The Headlines Episode: Trump’s Name in the Epstein Files, and Rare Protests in Ukraine
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Tracy Mumford, The New York Times

1. Trump’s Involvement in the Epstein Investigation

Key Points:

• Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Briefing: In May, AG Pam Bondi briefed President Trump regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, revealing that Trump’s name appears in the Epstein files. The specifics of the mentions remain unclear.

• Trump’s Response: President Trump denied any wrongdoing, labeling the Epstein files as fraudulent. When questioned directly by ABC News, Trump stated, “Bondi had not told me my name was mentioned,” and further dismissed the credibility of the files by asserting, “these files were made up by Comey, they were made up by Obama. They were made up” [00:56].

• Historical Connection: Trump and Epstein were acquainted in the 1990s and early 2000s within New York City’s social circles. Although Trump once praised Epstein as a “terrific guy,” their relationship deteriorated by the time Epstein was arrested in 2006. Trump publicly claimed to have expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for “being a creep.”

• Legal Developments: The Trump administration’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein case was denied by a federal judge. The judge cited strict laws protecting grand jury secrecy, especially to safeguard victims, stating that “the court's hands were tied by laws forbidding the release of grand jury transcripts except in narrow circumstances” [01:12].

Notable Quote:

“These files were made up by Comey, they were made up by Obama. They were made up.” — Donald Trump [00:56]

2. Columbia University’s Settlement with the U.S. Government

Key Points:

• Allegations and Fine: Columbia University has agreed to pay a $200 million fine to settle claims that it inadequately protected Jewish students. This settlement comes after the administration initiated over six civil rights investigations and suspended hundreds of millions in federal funding.

• University’s Position: Columbia’s president acknowledged the severity of the settlement but emphasized that it “preserves the university's independence when it comes to who it admits and what it teaches,” areas previously contested by the White House.

• Implications: Columbia is the first elite university to reach such an agreement, potentially setting a precedent for other institutions facing similar scrutiny from the administration.

3. President Trump’s New AI Action Plan

Key Points:

• Executive Orders: On Wednesday, President Trump unveiled a new AI action plan through a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence development in the United States.

• Dismantling Previous Safeguards: The plan involves rolling back AI regulations established by the Biden administration, including easing restrictions on data centers crucial for AI technologies by fast-tracking their permit processes.

• Content Regulation: Trump indicated that the government would exert pressure on tech companies concerning the content within their AI tools, addressing concerns from conservatives about perceived liberal biases in AI models.

Notable Quote:

“America is the country that started the AI race, and as president of the United States, I'm here today to declare that America is going to win it.” — Donald Trump [03:40]

4. Rare Protests Against Zelenskyy’s Government in Ukraine

Key Points:

• First Mass Protest: Thousands of young Ukrainians gathered in central Kyiv for a significant demonstration against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration, marking the first large-scale protest since Russia’s invasion.

• Catalyst for Protest: The immediate cause was recent legislation proposed by Zelenskyy’s party aimed at weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. Public sentiment viewed this as an authoritarian move suppressing dissenting voices.

• Government’s Response: Initially, Zelenskyy signed the controversial bill into law on Tuesday. However, facing intense public backlash, he reversed his decision within 24 hours, committing to maintain the essential safeguards against corruption.

• Historical Context: Ukraine has a decade-long struggle against corruption, with anti-corruption bodies established following mass protests that ousted a former president due to widespread corruption.

On-the-Ground Insights: One demonstrator was heard urging, “Veto the law,” encapsulating the populace’s demand to block the legislative attempt undermining their long-standing anti-corruption efforts.

5. Reevaluating the 10,000 Steps Fitness Goal

Key Points:

• Traditional Benchmark Under Scrutiny: The long-held belief that walking 10,000 steps daily is essential for health is being challenged by new research.

• Recent Study Findings: An analysis published in The Lancet Public Health aggregated data from over 50 studies, revealing that walking approximately 7,000 steps each day significantly reduces risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and sleep disorders. Beyond 7,000 steps, additional benefits plateau.

• Origin of the 10,000 Steps Myth: The 10,000-step goal was not based on scientific evidence but originated from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign promoting pedometers. The "10,000 steps meter" was a product name that eventually became a standard fitness benchmark without empirical backing.

Expert Commentary: Dr. Jane Smith, one of the study's lead authors, stated, “There was never really any evidence in the first place that 10,000 was the sweet spot. It's just a really big random number that people throw out there.”

Conclusion: In this episode of The Headlines, Tracy Mumford delves into significant and diverse topics ranging from high-profile political controversies involving former President Trump and the Epstein files, to landmark legal settlements affecting elite educational institutions. The discussion also covers pivotal policy shifts in artificial intelligence spearheaded by President Trump, grassroots political movements in Ukraine challenging governmental reforms, and contemporary health research reevaluating long-standing fitness norms. Each segment is enriched with direct quotes and precise timestamps, offering listeners comprehensive insights into the most pressing issues of the day.