The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Senator Schumer Discusses Senate Vote to Release Epstein Files
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
Overview:
This episode centers on the Senate’s dramatic vote to pass the so-called “Epstein bill”—a measure demanding the release of all unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files. The Meiselas brothers break down the political chess match between Senate Democrats, House Republicans, and Donald Trump’s loyalists, with special guest Senator Chuck Schumer detailing the strategic moves that brought about the bill’s passage. The tone is a mix of pointed political analysis, signature brotherly banter, and straightforward calls for transparency and accountability.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Senate Passes the Epstein Bill—Unanimous Consent (01:59–02:30)
- Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, passed the bill demanding release of all Epstein files "by unanimous consent."
- This maneuver prevented MAGA Republicans from stalling or amending the bill.
- The next step: Speaker Mike Johnson must transmit the House-passed bill to the Senate, then it heads to the President's desk for signature.
"The Senate has now passed the Epstein bill as soon as it comes over from the House.” — [Ben, 01:46]
“The Democrats outmaneuvered the MAGA Republicans here... Senator Chuck Schumer... gave the MAGA Republicans in the Senate an ultimatum." — [Ben, 01:59]
2. Tense Back-and-Forth Between Parties (02:30–07:00)
- Speaker Mike Johnson strategized with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to try for amendments, which would have delayed or even killed the bill.
- Democrats refused to let Republicans amend. By forcing a public, on-the-record vote, they left the GOP little room to block the bill without high political risk.
- Donald Trump posted a lengthy, off-topic social media rant instead of addressing the vote directly.
“He said, I am going to put this on the floor for unanimous consent for everybody in the world to watch, who's going to object to this.” — [Ben, 02:15]
3. House GOP and Internal Frictions (05:37–06:29)
- Mike Johnson (Speaker of the House) argued that Senate Republicans should "methodically" amend the bill, stating the House was not allowed to "correct deficiencies."
- Thomas Massie (R-KY) gave an impassioned speech warning his party not to "muck with this bill," emphasizing survivors’ quest for justice.
“Do not let the Senate muck this bill up. And if you are... you are part of this cover up that we are trying to expose... They need to be on the other side of bars... we will know when there are men, rich men in handcuffs being perp walked to the jail.” — [Rep. Thomas Massie, 06:29]
4. Senator Schumer Details the Democratic Strategy [08:32–12:03]
- Schumer highlights the decision to refuse any amendments ("file 13, the garbage can"), using public pressure to deter GOP obstruction.
- He emphasizes the importance of acquiring all Epstein files—not redacted, not partial.
“We told the Republicans we were going to make them block it and they were afraid of that... I'm going to the floor and asking unanimous consent to pass this to Dean. Passing it, you can block it if you want and do that at your peril. And they relented." — [Sen. Chuck Schumer, 08:32]
“We have to make sure we get all of the Epste files, all. They can't fuck around with this... Because I don't trust this administration. I don't trust Bondi, I don't trust Keshe Patel, I don't trust the President. And they could Screw around with this, it'll be all of our jobs to be on them and make sure that we get everything right." — [Sen. Schumer, 09:25]
5. Next Steps and Uncertainties (10:48–12:03)
- There’s currently no required timeline for Speaker Johnson to send the bill over—he could try to delay, but public pressure is mounting.
- Trump will have to sign the bill; Schumer voices skepticism about Trump’s intentions, suggesting he may be trying to hide information.
“He has something to hide. Everyone knows it... If he didn't have anything to hide, why wouldn't he release them long ago?" — [Sen. Schumer, 11:27]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Schumer’s Candid Take on Transparency:
“We have to make sure we get all of the Epste files, all. They can't fuck around with this... I don't trust this administration.” — [Sen. Schumer, 09:25]
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Thomas Massie Calling Out His Own Party:
“Do not let the Senate muck this bill up... If you are party to that, you are part of this cover up we are trying to expose.” — [Rep. Massie, 06:29]
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Schumer on Political Pressure:
“You can block it if you want and do that at your peril. And they relented.” — [Sen. Schumer, 08:32]
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Senate passes Epstein bill | Schumer’s procedural maneuver, passage by unanimous consent | 01:46–02:30 | | House GOP resistance | Mike Johnson, John Thune, and attempts to amend the bill | 05:37–07:00 | | Massie’s warning to the GOP | Massie urges not to obstruct, calls out possible cover-up | 06:29 | | Schumer details inside play | Schumer on Democratic strategy and transparency | 08:32–10:48 | | Concerns over Trump’s motives| Schumer skeptical Trump will sign, addresses stakes | 11:27–12:03 |
Tone and Dynamics
The episode’s tone is urgent, candid, and combative—reflecting both the podcast’s progressive stance and the high-stakes, high-drama of this legislative fight. Schumer, in particular, is direct and unsparing in his assessment of Republican motives and the need for aggressive oversight.
Conclusion
This episode offered a front-row seat to legislative brinkmanship as the Senate moved to bring the Epstein files closer to public view. Interviews and commentary underscored both the historic nature of the vote and the ongoing battle for governmental transparency. The stakes—exposing powerful men and potential cover-ups—remained high, and the MeidasTouch team made clear: pressure from the public and independent media will be crucial until every document sees daylight.