The Jim Acosta Show – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Trump Accuses Democrats of "SEDITION" with Former Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Epstein Files Investigative Reporter Julie K. Brown
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Jim Acosta
Guests: Alberto Gonzales (Former U.S. Attorney General), Julie K. Brown (Investigative Reporter, Miami Herald)
Main Theme
This episode tackles explosive recent events involving President Donald Trump accusing Democratic lawmakers of “sedition,” the fallout over the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile cases against political enemies, and the saga surrounding the long-awaited release of the Epstein files. Jim Acosta draws on insights from Alberto Gonzales on constitutional order, law, and political division, and from Julie K. Brown on the implications of the Epstein investigations and Trump’s erratic conduct.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Accusations of Sedition Against Democrats
- [00:00–02:31]
- Trump posted on social media accusations of “seditious behavior” punishable by death toward Democratic lawmakers who released a video affirming the military’s duty to refuse illegal orders.
- Acosta plays the lawmakers’ video, which emphasized upholding the Constitution and refusing unlawful orders.
- Notable quote (Rep. Kelly, [02:04]):
"No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution."
- Analysis with Alberto Gonzales
- Gonzales categorically rejects Trump’s claim that the video constitutes sedition, stating such guidance to refuse unlawful orders is both legal and necessary.
“As a general matter, if an order is clearly unlawful, the military has an obligation not to follow that order.” — Gonzales [03:50]
- Concern is raised over the normalization of incendiary rhetoric from a President.
“This kind of rhetoric...would have been unacceptable...the commander in chief should speak…to unify our country.” — Gonzales [04:38]
- Gonzales calls for constitutional checks on Trump’s power.
“Maybe at some point, other branches of government will wake up and see that this is an individual that needs to be checked under the Constitution.” — Gonzales [06:00]
- Gonzales categorically rejects Trump’s claim that the video constitutes sedition, stating such guidance to refuse unlawful orders is both legal and necessary.
2. DOJ Under Trump & The James Comey Prosecution
- [06:24–09:23]
- Discussion of DOJ mishandling in the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. The grand jury reportedly did not see the final indictment version.
- Gonzales laments the departure of experienced DOJ personnel and loss of professional standards.
"It's embarrassing to the men and women who work at the Department of Justice...to see this kind of conduct." — Gonzales [07:36]
- Suggestion that the new U.S. attorney was chosen for loyalty over competence.
3. Immigration Raids and Latino Fears
- [09:23–14:28]
- Acosta and Gonzales reflect on a student event at James Madison University, where Latino students voiced fear due to aggressive ICE raids.
- Reports that ICE raids under “Operation Midway” mostly targeted non-criminal immigrants ([10:23]), contradicting Trump’s claimed focus on dangerous criminals.
- Gonzales, as the first Latino Attorney General, calls the operation “a disaster.”
“The way these raids are being conducted without any kind of precision...really painted a picture of a government out of control." — Gonzales [11:26]
- Emphasis on respecting the dignity and humanity of immigrants.
“We all have value. And that value has to be respected.” — Gonzales [12:15]
- Gonzales reveals his own discomfort as a Latino in public, mistrustful due to the administration’s attitude toward minorities.
4. Bipartisanship in Memorials and the Era of Division
- [14:28–17:23]
- Reflects on Dick Cheney’s funeral, which saw Republicans and Democrats showing civility, a contrast to today’s climate.
- Gonzales urges continued efforts to bridge divisions:
“While we may not like it...at the end of the day, we are one country. And to be successful, we need to work together.” — Gonzales [16:08]
- He notes cracks forming within Trump’s support and lists potential pressures, including the Epstein files and public dissatisfaction.
5. Corruption and Governance under Trump
- [17:23–19:43]
- Gonzales accuses the administration of prioritizing personal enrichment over national interest.
“The level of corruption…I think, is astounding and historical.” — Gonzales [18:53]
- Predicts a wave of pardons for Trump’s associates before leaving office.
- Gonzales accuses the administration of prioritizing personal enrichment over national interest.
Interview with Julie K. Brown – The Epstein Files
[20:06–41:35]
a. Trump’s Reluctant Release of Epstein Files
- Trump only signed the bill under considerable public pressure.
- Victim advocacy and public PSAs, like the one aired during Monday Night Football, shifted the political tide.
“I didn't think he would do it unless he was under duress, let's put it that way.” — Julie K. Brown [21:27]
b. Extent of Disclosure
- DOJ signaling it will “follow the law” raised suspicions about selective redactions and withholding.
- Law mandates broad disclosure, including even third-party names.
“There isn't very—I mean, even names that are in there, third party names aren’t supposed to be redacted.” — Brown [22:53]
- Law mandates broad disclosure, including even third-party names.
- Brown warns DOJ may still try to withhold damaging material.
c. Trump’s Ties to Epstein
- Hundreds of Trump mentions in emails; some victims clarify no wrongdoing by Trump but the frequency raises questions.
“Trump’s name is mentioned more than anybody else, double anybody.” — Brown [24:50]
- Brown theorizes Trump’s current distress is linked to fear of disclosure.
- Surveillance and wiretap evidence may exist beyond what’s been released.
d. Trump’s Conduct and Suspicions of a Cover-Up
- Brown and Acosta point to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric (“Piggy” remark to a reporter) as evidence of panic.
“I just can't explain it other than…there’s something there, you know, because it doesn’t make any sense. It’s too over the top...” — Brown [30:15]
- Speculation over possible incriminating evidence, not just about Trump but potentially close associates or family.
e. Ghislaine Maxwell, Pardons, and the Web of Complicity
- Brown predicts Trump will eventually pardon Maxwell, noting his refusal to rule it out.
- Maxwell’s potential trove of evidence, and time to secure it, noted.
- Comparison: Obama or Bush would face impeachment for similar handling of such a scandal.
“If this was happening in any other administration…Bush…I mean, there would be impeachment hearings already. We’re in new territory…” — Brown [37:36]
f. Systemic DOJ Manipulation and Institutional Damage
- Brown and Acosta assert that DOJ and FBI have been co-opted to serve Trump’s personal interests, prioritizing attacks on critics, even targeting students and entire universities.
- The handling of the Epstein affair is unprecedented in U.S. history.
g. Public Reaction & Changing Political Alliances
- Survivor Jenna Lisa Jones, once a Trump voter, feels “disappointed and outraged” by his handling of Epstein fallout.
“She said he was a national embarrassment…Marjorie Taylor Greene nodding her head in agreement.” — Acosta [40:57–41:10]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Alberto Gonzales on the normalization of extremism ([04:38]):
“We’re all getting kind of numb, and that’s dangerous because this kind of rhetoric…would have been unacceptable. But this is the way that he communicates.”
- Jim Acosta on the state of America ([13:42]):
“The fact that a former Attorney General of the United States has the thought…that because I look Latino, I have to concern about the way I dress…that’s a hell of a statement.”
- Julie K. Brown on the Epstein files ([24:50]):
“Trump’s name is mentioned more than anybody else, double anybody…if nothing else, it raises questions about his complicity…”
- Brown on government manipulation ([37:36]):
“If this was happening in any other administration…there would be impeachment hearings already. We’re in new territory here with what…American democracy [is facing].”
Additional Segments & Timestamps
- Corruption and Self-Enrichment ([17:23–19:43]): Gonzales details Trump’s self-serving governance.
- Trump’s “Piggy” Remark to Reporter ([29:01–30:11], [42:28–43:32]):
- White House spokesperson’s defense is mocked by Acosta as “gaslighting.”
“Calling a journalist piggy is not openness and frankness. It is offensive and appalling, and it’s conduct unbecoming of a President.” — Acosta [43:32]
- White House spokesperson’s defense is mocked by Acosta as “gaslighting.”
- Swastikas Downgraded as 'Potentially Divisive' by US Coast Guard ([43:32–end]):
- Strong condemnation by Acosta for what he calls a new low in Trump’s administration.
Takeaways for Listeners
- The episode underscores acute dangers in the normalization of extreme rhetoric and constitutional violations at the highest levels of government.
- The DOJ is depicted as compromised, riddled with inexperience and politicization.
- Trump’s alleged criminality and panic over the Epstein files form the narrative’s undercurrent.
- Julie K. Brown provides invaluable context for just how deep and far-reaching the Epstein saga remains, particularly with the threat of buried secrets and looming pardons.
- The show closes with a broad warning about the corrosion of American democratic standards and the imperative for public vigilance and accountability.
Listeners are left with:
- A chilling portrait of contemporary American governance under Trump.
- Insight into the systemic compromises of the DOJ.
- A reminder from both guests about the importance of upholding democratic and constitutional values, even in the face of intimidation and corruption.
(All timestamps are approximate and exclude advertisements and non-content segments.)