The MeidasTouch Podcast – "Representative-Elect Grijalva is Ready to Sign Discharge Petition"

Date: September 27, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Featured Guest: Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva (AZ-7)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the political drama unfolding in the U.S. House, focusing on Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva's pivotal role as the potential 218th signature on a bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote for the release of the Epstein files. The episode examines Republican maneuvers—particularly MAGA Mike Johnson’s efforts—to potentially delay her swearing-in, strategies to avoid governmental transparency, and the broader stakes around government shutdown politics, Trump-era corruption, and the fight for congressional accountability. Throughout, the Meiselas brothers and their guest emphasize the importance of democratic norms, border district representation, and the urgency for systemic change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Discharge Petition & the Battle for the Epstein Files (03:59–10:17)

• What’s Happening:
  With Adelita Grijalva’s election, the House now has enough votes to potentially pass a discharge petition (218) demanding a vote on the release of the Epstein files, a bipartisan move initiated by Ro Khanna (Democrat) and Thomas Massie (Republican).

• Republican Obstruction:
  MAGA Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, is accused of urging Republicans to skip work on crucial days (Sept 29–30) to delay Grijalva's swearing-in, thereby postponing the discharge petition and possible vote before a looming government shutdown (03:59–04:28).

  “One of the reasons MAGA Mike Johnson is telling the Republicans don't show up to work on September 29 and September 30... is because if they show up and it's a work day, then they'll have to swear in Congresswoman Elect Grijalva... The discharge petition will be effectuated and that should force a vote on the House floor forthwith.”
  — Ron Filipkowski [04:28]

• Trump’s Fear and Tactics:
  The panel speculates that Donald Trump is pushing for a shutdown and stalling the release of the Epstein files to prevent damaging revelations from surfacing. Trump has allegedly threatened GOP members against supporting the petition, calling it a “hostile act” (09:06).

  "The White House... is literally calling it a hostile act to sign this discharge petition now. And I don't know if that's precedented in this country..."
  — Rep. Thomas Massie [09:06]

2. Conflicting Justifications & Legislative Gaslighting

• GOP Arguments:
  House Republicans claim the current petition would not sufficiently protect victims’ identities and advocate for a "better-drafted" alternative. However, panelists and guests question the sincerity behind these procedural objections, seeing them as thinly veiled attempts to avoid transparency.

  "There is another approach out there. The House Republicans on the Rules Committee have a resolution that is well drafted, that is thoughtfully drafted by lawyers..."
  — Rep. Thomas Massie [07:45]

3. The Swearing-In Antics: Congresswoman-Elect Grijalva Testifies (14:06–18:51)

• Deliberate Delays:
  Grijalva recounts how, just two weeks prior, another (male) Representative was sworn in quickly even with "unofficial results," whereas she is being stonewalled as rules are suddenly re-interpreted.

  "For me, this Chicana from Tucson, apparently the rules have now changed in two weeks and we're being asked for official results... maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm number 218."
  — Adelita Grijalva [14:06]

• Border Representation Ignored:
  The hosts and Grijalva note the hypocrisy: while the GOP constantly invokes "the border," they are actively blocking a border-district Congresswoman from joining Congress (18:51).

  "For all of their talk about the border, border, border, they don't even want to swear in you right now and follow the rules when they've got a border district Congresswoman elect..."
  — Interviewer [18:51]

4. MAGA Mentality & Democratic Norms (17:05–17:50)

• Broken Bipartisanship:
  Grijalva and hosts discuss public frustration over the GOP's refusal to negotiate or even communicate across the aisle, instead simply "doing what Trump wants." The shutdown threat is framed as symptomatic of a broader democratic erosion.

  "So much of what's happening right now in this nation, it feels like there's a for sale sign on the White House... If you have enough money, you can pay for justice."
  — Adelita Grijalva [17:50]

5. Grijalva’s Platform: Accountability and Border District Issues (21:09–23:35)

• Immediate Priorities:

  • Co-sponsoring legislation advancing environmental justice and tribal sovereignty

  • Lowering costs and investing in affordable housing

  • Protecting social safety nets (Medicaid, SNAP)

  • Defending public education from private voucher schemes

  • Standing up against illegal ICE raids

    "I will immediately sign on to the discharge petitions that... aim to rein in Trump's authority to unilaterally impose inflation causing tariffs and other emergency powers."
    — Adelita Grijalva [19:23]

    "Literally around the corner where I get my gas, there was two people in masks... taking a woman out of her car and dragging her. So when you see people that, that are, you know, we don't know what's happening, it literally looks like a kidnapping."
    — Adelita Grijalva [21:23]

• Anticipating the Next Chapter:

  • Grijalva remains committed to being sworn in promptly and representing her constituents, focusing on substantive issues rather than just opposition to Trump.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Discharge Petition's Impact:
  "That's the sufficient number of signatures on the Republican side in order to now with the Democrats get to that magic 218 number to force a vote on the Epstein files."
  — Ron Filipkowski [08:02]

• On Trump’s Blame Game:
  "If the president is not willing to meet with the leaders... that's failed leadership and the president should be blamed for the shutdown."
  — Donald Trump (older clip) [11:34]

• On Congressional Dysfunction:
  "Democrats are going to show up in Washington in full force, ready to work... we want to get to work and we don't want to shut down. It's disruptive. It is causes chaos and instability."
  — Adelita Grijalva [15:56]

• On Corruption & Justice:
  "If you buy some Trump crypto, we're going to make some accommodations for you... this is such blatant corruption."
  — Adelita Grijalva [17:50]

Key Timestamps

• 03:59 — Ron Filipkowski breaks down government shutdown politics and discharge petition math
• 07:13 — Thomas Massie voices GOP concerns about the discharge petition
• 09:06 — Massie reveals Trump has labeled support for the discharge petition a “hostile act”
• 14:06 — Adelita Grijalva details her delayed swearing-in
• 17:05 — Public frustration with MAGA obstructionist tactics
• 19:23 — Grijalva on reining in Trump’s emergency powers and financial corruption
• 21:09 — Grijalva’s policy agenda for AZ-7 and the border region
• 23:35–23:53 — Closing encouragement for Grijalva and sign-off

Episode Takeaway

This episode captures a high-stakes convergence of congressional procedure, partisan gamesmanship, democratic accountability, and the lived realities of border-district politics. Adelita Grijalva’s candid and impassioned appearance crystallizes the stakes—not just for the release of the Epstein files, but for the future of responsive, representative government. The MeidasTouch Podcast continues to blend determined journalism with righteous frustration and humor, keeping the focus on both the mechanics and the morals of American democracy.