Podcast Summary
The MeidasTouch Podcast – Rep. Subramanyam on GOP Trying to Cancel Ghislaine Deposition
Date: November 22, 2025
Hosts: Ben, Brett & Jordy Meiselas
Guest: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (frequently misspelled as "Subramanyam" in the transcript)
Episode Focus: Examination of GOP efforts to obstruct the House deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell regarding Epstein files, concerns about DOJ manipulation of evidence, and broader discussion of accountability under the Trump administration.
Main Theme / Purpose
This episode discusses the political controversy surrounding the scheduled deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell in the House's Epstein probe, focusing on the GOP's efforts to obstruct this deposition and the suspicion that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is manipulating and withholding key Epstein files. The discussion sharply criticizes Republican attempts to block accountability and protect Donald Trump and his associates, underscoring broader themes of institutional corruption.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Maxwell’s House Deposition Stonewalled by GOP
- Ghislaine Maxwell pled the Fifth to avoid testifying before the House Oversight Committee—an outcome predicted by the hosts (03:38).
- Maxwell’s legal team indicates she won’t answer questions, citing ongoing legal proceedings and "new evidence" tied to Trump’s public statements calling the case a "hoax" (03:39–04:34).
- Chairman James Comer (R) extends then cancels the deposition, claiming it would waste taxpayer dollars since Maxwell would only plead the Fifth—though the hosts argue this is a cover to avoid recording her evasion on tape regarding Trump’s involvement (05:37–07:30).
Notable Quote:
"James Comer and the MAGA Republicans don’t want a video or audio tape of her invoking the Fifth, as Democrats say, so tell me about Trump. ... Invoke the Fifth. Invoke the Fifth. Didn’t Donald Trump say that only the mob pleads the Fifth or people who are guilty plead the Fifth?"
— Ben Meiselas (07:30)
2. DOJ Evidence Tampering Concerns
- Host Ben invites Rep. Krishnamoorthi/Subramanyam to elaborate on House Democrats' suspicions: the Trump DOJ might manipulate, redact, or selectively release Epstein files to protect the president and allies (08:08–09:09).
- Subramanyam stresses the need for a comprehensive, unredacted release of the files and vigilance to prevent evidence destruction (08:08–10:10).
Notable Quote:
"If they are in possession of the files, we have deep concerns that they would certainly manipulate those files in some way. ... This is only the beginning of the fight to try to make sure we get the full unredacted release of the files."
— Rep. Subramanyam (08:31)
3. Handling & Oversight of Vast Case Files
- Ben, drawing on his legal experience, questions how Congress can even ensure they know what files exist and if they're secure and complete (09:09–10:25).
- Subramanyam reiterates Democrats are demanding clarity about what evidence exists, how it's secured, and ensuring nothing is being deleted or altered before public release (10:25–11:15).
4. Why Not Pursue Maxwell’s Testimony Anyway?
- Discussion about GOP’s reluctance to appear for Maxwell’s deposition and the hosts’ argument that even repeated invocation of the Fifth would be informative and potentially revealing (12:52–14:09).
- Subramanyam argues that experienced legal questioning can sometimes break through a witness’s initial intent to plead the Fifth and that all options to seek the truth should be pursued.
Notable Quote:
"Witnesses went into the room thinking they were going to plead the Fifth and then they ended up not. ... It is worth the time and effort to have this discussion with her."
— Rep. Subramanyam (12:58)
5. Broader Corruption & Oversight Themes
- Ben and Subramanyam discuss how these scandals (Epstein coverup, Trump-acolyte DOJ, Saudi business deals, tariff scams) tie into broader issues of elite favoritism and corruption under Trump (14:09–16:06).
- Subramanyam links the Epstein case to Trump’s populist rhetoric and actual behavior — arguing Trump covers for wealthy elites at the expense of ordinary people (16:06–17:14).
Notable Quote:
"This is [Trump] covering up for those very billionaires and, and sticking it to common people, these victims who went through these heinous crimes."
— Rep. Subramanyam (16:35)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
"She’s a serial liar and she’s a convicted child sex trafficker."
— Ben Meiselas (14:09) -
"We have to keep the receipts. ... When we're back in the majority...we have to be ready to make sure that everyone is held accountable for their crimes."
— Rep. Subramanyam (16:06) -
"People are fed up and they're noticing this corruption and Donald Trump going back on his promises to stand up for the average person against the rich and powerful and elite."
— Rep. Subramanyam (16:55)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:38–07:30: Explanation of Maxwell’s Fifth Amendment plea and House GOP’s resistance to the deposition
- 08:08–10:10: Rep. Subramanyam discusses DOJ/Trump manipulation concerns
- 09:09–10:25: Methods for ensuring file integrity and oversight
- 12:52–14:09: The value of attempting Maxwell’s deposition despite likely pleading the Fifth
- 14:09–17:14: Broader themes of Trump-era corruption and the importance of Congressional oversight
Tone & Style
The episode maintains the MeidasTouch signature blend of legal acumen, passionate democratic advocacy, pointed humor, and frank language. The hosts and their guest approach the subject with urgency and criticism toward the GOP, emphasizing the need for vigilance and public accountability.