Trump in Terror as He Fails to Block Press Conference

Summary

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

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

Subtle results still you, but with fewer lines. Botox Cosmetic Adobotulinum Toxinae is a prescription medicine used to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines. Crow's feet and forehead lines look better in adults.

[Pharmaceutical Safety Announcer]

Effects of Botox Cosmetic may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness may be a sign of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Don't receive Botox Cosmetic if you have a skin infection. Side effects may include allergic allergic reactions, injection site pain, headache, eyebrow and eyelid drooping and eyelid swelling. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Tell your doctor about medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eden syndrome and medications including Botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects. For full safety information, visit botoxcosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300.

[Commercial Narrator]

See for yourself at botoxcosmetic.com what makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker, it's all the invisible extras without the extra cost. Their designer quality frames start at $95, including prescription lenses plus scratch resistant, smudge resistant and anti reflective coatings and UV protection and free adjustments for life. To find your next pair of glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, or to find the Warby Parker store nearest you, head over to warbyparker.com that's warbyparker.com Olivia loves a challenge.

[Travel Advertiser]

It's why she lifts heavy weights and likes complicated recipes. But for booking her trip to Paris, Olivia chose the easy way. With Expedia, she bundled her flight with a hotel to save more. Of course, she still climbed all 674 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You were made to take the easy route. We were made to easily package your trip. Expedia Made to Travel Flight Inclusive packages are atoll protected.

[Commercial Narrator]

Starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify. They have the tools you need to start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing to selling and beyond, Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into Sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] specialoffer 10.

[AARP Narrator]

Years from today, Lisa Schneider will trade in her office job to become the leader of a pack of dogs as the owner of her own dog rescue. That is a second act made possible by the reskilling courses Lisa's taking now with AARP to help make sure her income lives as long as she does. And she can finally run with the big dogs and the small dogs who just think they're big dogs. That's why the younger you are, the more you need AARP. Learn more at aarp.org skills we knew.

[Host/Interviewer]

That Donald Trump was going to try to pull some stunts before this massive press conference taking place in the morning.

[Commentator/Analyst]

At 10:30am Eastern Time, 7:30 Pacific. You can watch the stream here on the Midas Touch network where the Epstein victims will be speaking out. It's been reported that it may even be up to 100 Epstein victims and Ghislaine victims who are at least on Capitol Hill. And that we'll be hearing from some victims who have never even spoken before. This press conference is being led by Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna, Republican Congressmember Thomas Massie. It's being done on a bipartisan basis. Khanna and Massie have been steadfast through it all with all the shenanigans that Trump is trying to pull. So we knew they were going to try to pull something. So about an hour ago, we got this message posted by Anna Paulina Luna, who claimed to, like, chair a committee focused on the stuff. And here's what she wrote. GOP oversight and James Comer will be releasing the Epstein files to a publicly available website momentarily. They're all being uploaded right now. They all are. I don't think the vote to release the Epstein files will even come to the floor, being that they've all been made public.

[Host/Interviewer]

Wow.

[Commentator/Analyst]

They're turning over all the Epstein files. Whoa. And then Annapoleon Luna writes, all Epstein documents have been uploaded here. All of them. So I clicked the link and it wasn't even working at first. But then I'm like, are these the same 33,000 documents that they turned over two weeks ago, which were 97 to 98% duplicates of documents that had already been turned over and are not what we're all talking about when we see the Epstein files. Could they be so brazen? Do they think we're so stupid? So I reached out to my sources in the House Oversight Committee and they confirmed that the documents posted by Anna Paulina Luna and James Comer are the same exact 33 pages of Epstein documents they received. 97% already public and part of a broader plan to block transparency. Our editor in chief Ron Philipkowski writes they adjourned for a month to avoid taking a vote on releasing the Epstein files. And this is the best scam they could come up with to fool the people who hatched this genius plan. James Comer, all right, back to what the press conference is about tomorrow morning. You know, Epstein victims, Ghislaine victims, survivors, they will be there. They will be telling their story. At the same time, there is a discharge petition working its way through the House of Representatives. Since we know MAGA Mike Johnson seems to be doing everything in his power to stall, delay, obstruct an actual vote on this thing. So Thomas Massie has filed his discharge petition. And Massie, Republican from Kentucky, says there's a pressure campaign from the White House right now on 11 Republicans who co sponsored his Epstein bill not to sign the discharge petition. I think there are also ones the White House is not whipping that they may be inclined to sign it. In other words, a complete cover up continues by the White House right now on the eve of the Epstein victim speaking out. Let's bring in Democratic Congress member Ro Khanna, who's been someone leading the way on this, demanding transparency. You've been talking about this for a very long time. Where are we at Congressmember and what can we expect tomorrow?

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

It's going to be a bombshell press Conference tomorrow at 10:30am it's the first time after over a decade that the American people are going to hear from the survivors of the Epstein abuse. And they're going to talk not just about Epstein's abuse and Maxwell's abuse, but about rich and powerful men who abused young girls. Here's the reality. This is about restoring trust in government. This is about protecting America's kids. This is about standing with survivors. Now I want to break some news. Not only is Thomas Massie going to be there, Marjorie Taylor Green is going to be there. So this is not partisan. This is patriotic. And for the first time, 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. And this is really a wake up call for the Trump White House.

[Host/Interviewer]

I understand that there are survivors who are on Capitol Hill today and they've been sharing their stories behind closed doors with members of Congress. We saw Nancy Mace leave the room and she was crying and she said as a survivor of sexual assault, she said that it was very hard to hear the stories that she was hearing.

[Commentator/Analyst]

But she then also posted that the.

[Host/Interviewer]

Files are being released, the 33,000 pages. But we all know that those 33,000 pages aren't the Epstein files as we think about them. The real stuff that's out there.

[Commentator/Analyst]

What, what can you share?

[Host/Interviewer]

Obviously, you know, there's some of this that's going to be revealed tomorrow for the first time.

[Commentator/Analyst]

But what can you share about some of you've been speaking with a lot of these survivors. What, what can you share in terms.

[Host/Interviewer]

Of what else we can expect tomorrow morning?

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

So I and Thomas Massie have actually not spoken to the survivors on purpose. We've only spoken to their lawyers. And the reason is we want the survivors to speak their stories. We don't want anyone to say, oh, did Massey or Kana say what they should speak Tomorrow they are going to tell their stories. They have not talked to anyone on either of our staffs and the American people are going to get to decide. But what we have been told by their lawyers is that they are going to say that they need the files released for closure and they're going to be talking about many rich and powerful men who abused young girls who have not been brought to justice. Now, the reality is, and you pointed this out, and Ron pointed this out, the quote, unquote distraction today was re releasing the files that already had been released that are less than 1% of the Epstein files. How do we know it's less than 1%? Because the FBI told us that there are 300 gigabytes of files and 33,000 pages is less than 1%, is less than 1 gigabyte. And of that, 97% are already public. Now you say, well, why are they doing this? Because the Trump administration is usually used to pulling the wool over people's eyes and people just move on. And Trump's word has basically been gospel for his base. Why is it not going to work this time? First, people are paying too much attention too closely. And when the American people tune in on something, you can't fool the American people. And secondly, we have people like Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene and other MAGA supporters. You can't impeach their MAGA credentials who are speaking out. So that's why this is a crisis for the Trump White House.

[Host/Interviewer]

So in that how I just, I want to be clear in my language because I was just reading a post from Nancy Mace where she had said, I had a very difficult time listening to their stories. And then she says, full blown panic attack, sweating, hyperventilating, shaking I can't breathe. What was what? What was shared was what the lawyers were saying. Maybe what.

[Commentator/Analyst]

So what's happened?

[Host/Interviewer]

I just want to get the right back.

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

Two different things. There's some of the survivors who met with the oversight committee and they requested a private meeting to share some of their stories there. Some of those overlap with the ones who want to be public tomorrow. Others don't overlap with the ones who are going to be public tomorrow. Tomorrow between 8 to 10 of the victims and survivors are going to talk about their experience and what they want to see as an action tomorrow. Massey and I decided not to meet with them because we didn't want to in any way be seen as saying, okay, here's what we want you to say tomorrow, or here's how we want to influence it. We wanted to keep an arm's length so that their stories are going to be unfiltered and what they really want to tell the American public.

[Host/Interviewer]

So let's talk about, though, the actual files that are still not being produced. Is the plan by Trump and others to say, this is it. This 33,000 is a large number. So here you go.

[Commentator/Analyst]

This, this is everything. I mean, is the plan as stupid as that? Like what, what happens next with the files?

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

Well, I think they're going to keep doing these kind of drip by drip and hope that this thing goes away. Tomorrow is going to make that impossible after people hear from some of these victims. But the other issue is that the American people are following this with such interest. I mean, when Pam Bondi did that initial release, within hours, people in the Maga Bay said these documents are already public and they are just shocked because usually Trump says something and it just goes away, oh, I'm going to bring peace to Ukraine on day one. Well, we didn't. Well, okay, that was a promise and I've broken it and I don't care. I'm not going to cut Medicaid. Well, he just did, you know, we're just going to move on. And so you can't blame the White House After 10 years of this kind of pattern for thinking, well, they're just going to move on. And you know that they haven't been successful. And the reason they haven't been successful, this kind of goes to the rationale of the Trump candidacy. People didn't think he was a moral character who voted for him. They didn't think he was going to necessarily have the plans to fully better their lives, but they wanted him to destroy the corrupt government. They wanted him to expose the corrupt government, they said, you know, even if he's not the perfect guy, even if he has an imperfect character, we know that he's going to finally expose a government that is corrupt, that is co opted, that is protecting rich and powerful men who have abused young girls. He's going to blow a whistle and expose it all. And his backing away from that fundamental promise to MAGA is undermining his trust with the base. And here's where the Democrats can come in, here's where we can lead, where we can say we are on the side of the people, we're on the side of the truth. We don't care if 80% of the people in those files are Democrats. It doesn't matter whoever they are, if they're on our side, on their side. We want the truth, we want it released. And that is a party of reform. It's a party that's not just partisan, is a party that's not just anti Trump. It's a party that is for the people.

[Host/Interviewer]

This will be live, 10:30 Eastern Time, 7:30 Pacific. Everybody can watch it on the Midas touch stream. Anything else before we go Congressman, that you think our audience of nearly 6.

[Commentator/Analyst]

Million subscribers should know about?

[Host/Interviewer]

Tomorrow, we or anything else with your travels over the past few weeks since Congress was in recess, I just hope.

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

Tomorrow is about the victims, that we all as a country can stand with the victims. Their stories have been ignored not just during the Trump years. Their story is stories have been ignored for the past 15 years. This is going to be their moment. Remember, it's about standing with the victims. It's about protecting America's kids. It's about restoring trust. And if you're 6 million subscribers can tune in and if they can share that and if they can all hashtag release the files, just put the call if this release the files. It's not just that we will do right by these victims is that maybe we can find some common ground in this country that when it comes to rich men, powerful men assaulting young girls, that that's where we draw the line as a nation, regardless of political ideology. That's where we say those men need to be held accountable. That doesn't happen in the United States of America. Release the Epstein files. Have accountability, restore trust. We need a movement for that tomorrow and your subscribers across the country can help us do that.

[Host/Interviewer]

Congressmember Ro Khanna, we look forward to seeing this bombshell press conference tomorrow that you and Massie are leading. And I got to give a shout out to the House oversight, Democrats as well in general with Congressmember Garcia, the whole team. It's such a difference that we've seen in a short period of time already with just being aggressive, eye on the target of transparency.

[Commentator/Analyst]

So thank you so much.

[Congressmember Ro Khanna]

He's doing a phenomenal job, as is Ayanna Pressley there. I mean, both, both doing incredible work.

[Host/Interviewer]

Well, and you are, too. So thank you to all of you, everybody. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 6 million subscribers. And thanks for watching. We'll see you, Tom, during the press conference. The truth is more important than ever. Check out our new Truth over lies [e-mail] touch.com all 100% USA union made.