The MeidasTouch Podcast: “Trump in Terror as He Fails to Block Press Conference” (Sept 3, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast zeroes in on Donald Trump's attempts to block a major press conference featuring survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, where powerful new revelations are set to come to light on Capitol Hill. Hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas dissect the ongoing coverup efforts, the bipartisan surge for transparency, and what the forthcoming press conference could mean for democracy and the accountability of rich and powerful abusers. The episode features a deeply insightful conversation with Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna, one of the driving forces behind the push to release the complete Epstein files.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump's Last-Minute Maneuvers to Block the Press Conference

• The hosts open by discussing Donald Trump's anticipated stunts aimed at obstructing the press conference where over 100 Epstein and Maxwell survivors are ready to share their stories for the first time in over a decade.
• (03:05) The press conference is scheduled for 10:30am ET and is led by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, highlighting a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.

2. GOP’s “Release” of Epstein Files: A Red Herring

• (04:17) The hosts examine GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Oversight Chair James Comer’s claim that the “Epstein files” have been released online.
• Upon investigation, it turns out these are the same 33,000 pages previously released—97-98% of which were already public and not the revelatory documentation sought by the survivors and the public.
  • Quote: “Could they be so brazen? Do they think we're so stupid?” — [Commentator, 04:18]
  • Ron Philipkowski, their editor-in-chief, confirms this is a ploy to block transparency.

3. Congress’s Resistance and the Real Files

• The hosts explain that the House GOP adjourned for a month, stalling any real vote on file release.
• Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) files a discharge petition to force a House vote. There is reported pressure from the White House on eleven Republican co-sponsors to withhold support, pointing to a wider coverup.
  • “A complete cover up continues by the White House right now on the eve of the Epstein victim speaking out.” — [Commentator, 05:49]

4. Interview with Congressmember Ro Khanna

The Scale and Significance of the Press Conference

• (06:33) Rep. Khanna calls it “a bombshell press conference,” stating it will be the first time in more than a decade Americans will hear directly from Epstein and Maxwell survivors.
  • “For the first time since Donald Trump walked down the escalator, we are going to have progressives, moderates, independents and MAGA supporters on the same side demanding truth and justice.” — Ro Khanna [07:24]
• Notably, Marjorie Taylor Greene and other GOP figures will also attend, framing the event as bipartisan and “patriotic.”

The Impact on Congress and the Political Divide

• Survivors have been meeting privately with Congress members; Rep. Nancy Mace’s emotional response is highlighted, emphasizing the gravity of the testimonies.
  • “As a survivor of sexual assault, she said that it was very hard to hear the stories that she was hearing.” — Host [07:43]
• Khanna emphasizes that he and Massie have not spoken directly to survivors so as to allow them an unfiltered platform and avoid any perception of coaching.

The Scope and Deception of the ‘Released’ Files

• (08:39–10:28) The files recently posted online are a minuscule fraction (“less than 1%”) of what is held by federal authorities:
  • “The FBI told us that there are 300 gigabytes of files and 33,000 pages is less than 1%... 97% are already public.” — Ro Khanna [09:18]
• Khanna asserts that these tactics won’t work due to unprecedented public scrutiny and the unique roster of bipartisan attendees demanding truth.

Why Trump’s Strategy Isn’t Working

• Khanna reflects on how Trump's base initially supported him to “expose the corrupt government,” but this failure to follow through on exposing the truth about Epstein and powerful abusers is undermining his credibility even with core supporters:
  • "His backing away from that fundamental promise to MAGA is undermining his trust with the base." — Ro Khanna [13:17]

5. What’s Next: The Call for a Movement

• (14:25) Khanna stresses that the moment is about the victims and breaking the cycle of ignored abuse spanning 15 years:
  • “It's about standing with the victims. It's about protecting America's kids. It's about restoring trust... Maybe we can find some common ground in this country that when it comes to rich men, powerful men assaulting young girls, that's where we draw the line as a nation.” — Ro Khanna [14:38]
• Urges listeners to tune in and amplify the demand to #ReleaseTheFiles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Could they be so brazen? Do they think we're so stupid?” — Commentator [04:18], reacting to the recycled ‘file release’.
• “For the first time since Donald Trump walked down the escalator, we are going to have progressives, moderates, independents and MAGA supporters on the same side demanding truth and justice.” — Ro Khanna [07:24]
• “His backing away from that fundamental promise to MAGA is undermining his trust with the base.” — Ro Khanna [13:17]
• "It's about standing with the victims... when it comes to rich men, powerful men assaulting young girls, that's where we draw the line as a nation." — Ro Khanna [14:38]

Important Timestamps

• [03:05] Details of the press conference and bipartisan leadership
• [04:17] Analysis of the fake 'Epstein files' upload by GOP
• [06:33] Ro Khanna sets the stakes for the press conference
• [07:24] Rare bipartisan alignment for the cause
• [09:18] The truth about the withheld files (fraction of total)
• [10:53] Khanna explains why his office didn't meet survivors yet
• [13:17] Trump’s betrayal of his base’s expectations
• [14:38] Khanna's call for national unity on accountability

Tone and Takeaways

This episode combines the brothers’ spirited, unfiltered banter with a deeply earnest call to action. It sheds light on deliberate political obfuscation, refuses partisan framing in pursuit of truth, and repeatedly centers the suffering and bravery of the victims. With exclusive insight from Rep. Khanna, the podcast urges listeners to witness and amplify the victims’ stories—and to demand release of the full Epstein files as a non-negotiable step toward accountability and national healing.

Next Steps:

• Watch the live press conference (10:30am ET/7:30am PT)
• Join the call by spreading the hashtag #ReleaseTheFiles
• Remain vigilant for attempts to distract or dilute real accountability