The Matt Walsh Show: Episode 1546 - “Yesterday’s Epstein Files Release Was A Total Disaster”
Release Date: February 28, 2025
In Episode 1546 of The Matt Walsh Show, host Matt Walsh delves deep into the chaos surrounding the recent release of the Epstein files, the deteriorating conditions within New York's prison system, Philadelphia schools' defiance of Trump’s executive order on transgender athletes, and the controversial trolling by the House Judiciary GOP. Throughout the episode, Walsh provides a critical analysis of these pressing issues, interspersed with notable quotes and timestamps for key moments.
1. The Epstein Files Release Disaster
Walsh begins by addressing the highly anticipated release of the Epstein files, labeling it a “massive, disastrous flop.” He recounts the FBI’s 2019 raid on Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, where agents forcibly entered, cut open a safe, and recovered numerous hard drives, CDs, and binders. However, many of these materials mysteriously vanished when the FBI returned days later to secure another search warrant.
Notable Quote:
"We're supposed to forget all about it. But millions of people have not forgotten about this." [02:00]
2. Critique of FBI and DOJ’s Handling
Walsh criticizes both the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their mishandling of the Epstein case. He highlights the incomplete release of Epstein’s files, noting that out of over 20,000 images recovered, only a fraction were presented during Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial, leaving the majority unaccounted for. Walsh suggests that the DOJ’s approval of Epstein’s plea deal and the subsequent lack of transparency indicate deeper issues within these institutions.
Notable Quote:
"We need to give the benefit of the doubt to one group or the other. And there are far too many of those people in leadership positions in this country." [11:00]
3. Pam Bondi’s Fox News Appearance
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s promise on Fox News to release comprehensive Epstein files is scrutinized. Walsh points out the discrepancies between Bondi’s assurances and the actual content released, which lacked new or significant information. The delayed and selective release of binders to conservative commentators further fueled public distrust.
Notable Quote:
"Bondi didn't make it clear exactly how this document dump would take place... she was clear clearly suggesting that it would be significant." [07:00]
4. House Judiciary GOP’s Rick Roll Trolling
One of the episode's pivotal moments is Walsh’s condemnation of the House Judiciary GOP for their insensitive trolling. When a tweet purportedly announcing the Epstein files release linked to Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up," it was met with backlash for trivializing a serious matter. Walsh deems this as a "stunning display of poor judgment."
Notable Quote:
“The Republicans of the House Judiciary Committee apparently decided to use the occasion of the Epstein files release... to pull a Rick Roll prank.” [17:00]
5. Public Reaction and Lack of Transparency
Walsh emphasizes the public’s growing frustration over the incomplete release of the Epstein files. He argues that without full transparency, accountability remains elusive, allowing powerful individuals to evade scrutiny. The deliberate obfuscation by government officials undermines public trust and perpetuates unanswered questions about Epstein's high-profile connections.
Notable Quote:
“At this point, it's very possible that there are no Epstein files [...] who’s responsible for that.” [11:00]
6. New York Prison System’s Deterioration
Shifting focus, Walsh highlights Daily Wire’s footage depicting the dire state of New York’s prisons amidst the Democrat-backed HALT act. He describes violent conditions where inmates have excessive power, leading to assaults and chaos. The footage includes harrowing scenes like an inmate slashing a visitor’s face and the fatal stabbing of inmate Jarrett Frost.
Notable Quote:
“The inmate slicing the face of a woman who went to the prison to visit the inmate... it's brutal.” [20:00]
7. Corrections Officers’ Strikes and Grievances
Walsh discusses the widespread strikes among 15,000 New York correctional officers, attributing their grievances to the HALT act’s detrimental effects. Officers report that prison reforms have disproportionately empowered inmates, leaving guards vulnerable to violence with minimal consequences for offenders. This power imbalance has eroded safety and morale within the prison workforce.
Notable Quote:
“The more freedom you give to the prisoners, the more you empower the inmates, the more risk you are causing for the guards, the more vulnerable the guards become.” [25:00]
8. Philadelphia Schools Defy Trump’s Executive Order
Addressing educational policies, Walsh covers the Philadelphia School District’s decision to ignore President Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in sports aligning with their gender identity. He criticizes the administration’s reliance on executive orders, advocating instead for Congress to enact durable legislation to enforce such policies.
Notable Quote:
“Trump needs to pull all federal funding from Philadelphia schools [...] Congress needs to pass laws.” [30:00]
9. Entertainment Segment: Zendaya in Shrek 5
In a brief foray into entertainment, Walsh expresses disdain for Zendaya’s casting in "Shrek 5," mocking both the actress’s ubiquity and the prolonged continuation of the Shrek franchise. He sarcastically urges punitive measures against those who support what he considers subpar cinematic efforts.
Notable Quote:
“Zendaya is taking her talents to the swamp. [...] Shrek 5 is not the most important news in the world.” [35:00]
10. Listener Comments on Canadian Residential Schools
Walsh entertains listener comments challenging the mainstream narrative of Canada’s residential schools, which he refers to as "total nonsense." While acknowledging limited personal knowledge on the subject, he emphasizes the importance of independent research over accepting established narratives, particularly those propagated by progressive agendas.
Notable Quote:
“There's no reason to assume that the established mainstream narrative... especially when it's one that the left has used to guilt people.” [40:00]
11. Final Remarks: Call for Seriousness in Political Leadership
Concluding the episode, Walsh laments the perceived lack of seriousness among political leaders, using the Rick Roll incident as a prime example of immature behavior in governance. He contrasts this with Donald Trump’s purposeful trolling, advocating for dignity, class, and unwavering focus in political discourse. Walsh emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize their responsibilities over entertaining the public.
Notable Quote:
“We need seriousness from the people running our country. We need you to be serious people.” [50:00]
Throughout the episode, Matt Walsh maintains a critical stance towards governmental institutions and progressive policies, urging for greater transparency, accountability, and respect in both political and social arenas. His analysis underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding high-profile cases like Epstein’s, systemic issues within the prison system, and cultural debates on gender and education.