The Jim Acosta Show

MICHAEL FANONE, REP. EUGENE VINDMAN AND SPENCER KUVIN DISCUSS LATEST EPSTEIN FILES DEVELOPMENTS

Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Jim Acosta
Guests: Michael Fanon (former DC police officer), Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Spencer Kuvin (attorney for Epstein victims)

Episode Overview

This high-energy episode of The Jim Acosta Show dives into the political, legal, and ethical chaos surrounding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. With the files’ disclosure apparently imminent due to unprecedented bipartisan action in Congress, Jim Acosta and guests Michael Fanon, Rep. Eugene Vindman, and attorney Spencer Kuvin dissect the reactions, the likely political obstruction, and what this moment means for accountability—especially as it relates to Donald Trump’s connections to Epstein, recent encounters with the Saudi Crown Prince, and broader questions around the rule of law in the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Donald Trump’s “Squealing” and Attempted Diversions

• [00:04]–[04:45]
  • Acosta describes Trump as “squealing like a pig” under pressure surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Saudi Arabia, especially in the wake of his explosive reactions to journalist questions on Air Force One.
  • Fanon underscores Trump’s tendency to lie and use vulgarity to deflect scrutiny:
    • “He's lying when he opens his mouth. ... He's a vulgar person... resorting to name calling and vulgarity...” (Michael Fanon, [02:59])
  • The hosts liken Trump’s outbursts to classic suspect behavior: guilt, defensiveness, and lashing out when cornered.

2. Tactics to Prevent Release of the Epstein Files

• [06:12]–[11:08]
  • Discussion centers on the likely strategy by Trump allies (Pam Bondi, Cash Patel) to use ongoing investigations as a pretext for withholding key files—especially those that reference Trump.
  • Fanon notes:
    • “They're going to reopen this investigation so they can prevent Congress from obtaining the information.” (Michael Fanon, [06:54])
  • Both speakers are skeptical anything with Trump’s name will ever be seen by the public.

3. Pam Bondi's Deflection and the Victims’ Fight

• [08:38]–[13:34]
  • Acosta and guests scrutinize Attorney General Bondi’s refusal to directly address when the Epstein files will be released, instead defaulting to “we’ll follow the law.”
  • Acosta calls this “horseshit,” suggesting it’s a signal to Trump that she will act on his unspoken wishes ([09:41]).
  • Both note the long, painful battle survivors have faced, as well as the government’s tendency to hide behind supposed concern for victims’ privacy while actually obstructing justice.

4. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Treatment & Systemic Injustice

• [11:33]–[15:00]
  • Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to minimum security, despite her conviction, is presented as another miscarriage of justice:
    • “She's enjoying daily yoga, takeout, and all the comforts ... in violation of Bureau of Prisons policy.” (Fanon, [12:41])
  • The hosts emphasize the vulnerability of Epstein’s victims, contrasting this with the political protection of perpetrators.

5. Weaponization of Justice & The Comey Indictment

• [15:00]–[18:45]
  • Breakdown of the problematic grand jury indictment against James Comey, noting missing transcripts and procedural abuses.
  • Fanon argues, “This is a lawless administration. ... Pam Bondi is a corrupt sycophant for Donald Trump.” ([16:08])
  • The discussion frames this as part of a broader pattern of politicized, vengeful prosecutions with little factual basis.

6. Capitol Attackers, Pardons, and Recidivism

• [18:45]–[22:43]
  • New reports surface of a pardoned Jan 6th insurrectionist reoffending with child sexual abuse—contradicting the “wholesome patriot” narrative.
  • Fanon insists:
    • “The vast majority of these people were predisposed to violence... these were criminals.” ([20:05])

7. Historical Memory and the Whitewashing of January 6th

• [21:37]–[25:07]
  • Acosta and Fanon discuss fears that the January 6th attack is being erased from public memory due to legacy media’s reluctance to cover ongoing consequences.
  • Fanon laments the lack of institutional support:
    • “In legacy media... they have abandoned the idea of talking about January 6...” ([22:43])
  • Emphasis on preserving the history for future accountability.

8. Media Accountability & Journalist Solidarity

• [25:07]–[31:49]
  • Acosta expresses frustration at media's lack of collective pushback against Trump’s attacks on individual reporters (e.g., Mary Bruce, Catherine Lucy):
    • “News organizations... have to just tell them right now, go f*** yourself.” ([25:07])
  • Fanon urges solidarity among journalists:
    • “If one question is dodged, then the next reporter should...ask the same goddamn question over and over...” ([26:15])
  • Both critique the lack of courage in confronting Trump and call for more assertive questioning, especially on the Epstein files.

9. Preview: ‘Remove the Regime’ Rally

• [32:16]–[34:09]
  • Fanon details the upcoming protest event in Washington, D.C., demanding Trump’s impeachment and removal.
    • “We're coming there with a demand ... the impeachment and removal of Donald Trump.” ([33:36])

Segment with Rep. Eugene Vindman: Saudi Arabia Call and Khashoggi

• [35:13]–[51:05]
  • Vindman describes his alarm at Trump’s handling of his call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Jamal Khashoggi’s murder:
    • “That phone call was deeply disturbing... the President has since actually made his own public statements... he said he saved MBS's ass.” ([38:29])
  • Vindman calls for the transcript's release, likening the situation to the infamous Ukraine “quid pro quo” call.
  • He details Trump’s pattern of “deeply problematic calls with foreign leaders” and ties them to potential corruption and conflicts of interest.
  • On the Epstein files, Vindman sees Trump’s tactical retreat (signing the bill) as a gamble that the issue will fade but contends the push for transparency will only grow.

Segment with Spencer Kuvin: Survivors’ Perspective & Legal Realities

• [52:11]–[64:41]
  • Kuvin, attorney for Epstein survivors, voices “cautious optimism”:
    • “Their entire process has been a monumental waste of time... the president could have easily signed an order releasing this information.” ([53:50])
  • Warns about the government’s likely use of privacy and ongoing investigations to justify further stonewalling.
  • Notes key email: “Donald Trump has spent hours at my house with victim [redacted]” (Epstein to Maxwell).
    • Kuvin underscores the FBI’s possession of photos, videos, and other key evidence:
      • “If we could see the photos, if we could see the video... the American people would look at it a little bit differently.” ([57:43])
  • Recounts the long history of Trump and Epstein’s relationship as common knowledge in Palm Beach—and Trump’s reversal on “transparency” once in office.
  • Expresses skepticism about real progress, warning of further delays and the likely need for litigation if transparency isn’t delivered.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump's Deflection:

  • "When his mouth opens and words come out ... then you're sure to bet that he's not telling the truth." – Michael Fanon ([02:59])

• On Systemic Injustice:

  • "Giving the middle finger to the victims of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein... let's not forget, these were children." – Michael Fanon ([12:55])

• On Media Complacency:

  • "News organizations... have to just tell them right now, go f*** yourself... that's how the real world should work." – Jim Acosta ([25:07])

• On the Tactics to Hide the Epstein Files:

  • "The only new information that they've received is that they know definitively that Donald Trump is uncomfortably mentioned too many times in those documents." – Michael Fanon ([10:35])

• On Journalists Pressing for Answers:

  • “If one question is dodged, then the next reporter should... ask the same goddamn question...” — Michael Fanon ([26:15])

• On Accountability and Hope:

  • "It is time for you to sign this legislation. It is time for you to face accountability. And if accountability means the truth coming out and not being very pleasant for you, then that's what needs to take place." – Jim Acosta ([67:40])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump's reaction to press over Saudi/Epstein (Epstein mentioned more than Trump?) – [00:04]–[01:32]
• Fanon on Trump’s lying and name-calling – [02:59]
• Discussion on Epstein file release strategy – [06:12]–[11:08]
• Pam Bondi’s evasions and coded language – [08:38]–[09:41]
• Ghislaine Maxwell’s privileged treatment – [11:33]–[13:34]
• Survivor mistreatment, systemic failures – [13:34]–[15:00]
• Comey Indictment, corruption at DOJ – [15:00]–[18:45]
• January 6th, pardoned criminal’s reoffending – [18:45]–[22:43]
• Whitewashing Jan 6th, legacy media silence – [22:43]–[25:07]
• Media's lack of solidarity, how press should respond – [25:07]–[28:15]
• “Remove the Regime” rally details – [32:16]–[34:09]
• Rep. Vindman: the Khashoggi call, MBS, and transparency – [35:13]–[43:28]
• Epstein bill passage and transparency politics – [45:16]–[48:26]
• Spencer Kuvin’s take on survivors’ struggle for justice – [53:01]–[64:41]
• Significance of Epstein estate email, Trump’s reversal on transparency – [56:54]–[63:20]

Closing Summary

In blunt, sometimes irreverent language, Acosta and his guests paint a portrait of a presidency and government mired in corruption, secrecy, and vindictiveness—using the latest maneuvering around the Epstein files as Exhibit A. Whether from the perspective of law enforcement, legislation, or the fight for sexual abuse survivors, the message is clear: the struggle for accountability—against political obstacles, legal trickery, and media complacency—must continue with urgency, solidarity, and hope. The show ends with a call for ongoing pressure, vigilance, and for the truth to come out, no matter how powerful the people it may implicate.