The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Panics in AM and Starts Deleting Files
Date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

In this explosive episode, the Meiselas brothers break down a morning of chaos as former President Donald Trump allegedly attempts to have incriminating files deleted from Department of Justice servers regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The hosts sift through the bombshell Epstein document disclosures, examine MAGA Republican meltdowns in recent elections, and highlight the ongoing collapse of U.S. cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center amid Trump’s authoritarian moves. (Ads removed; only main content summarized.)

Key Discussion Points

1. Trump’s Frantic Attempt to Delete Epstein Files

(00:43–06:53)

• Alleged DOJ Cover-Up: Ben opens by claiming Trump is “furiously trying” to get DOJ to delete Epstein files mentioning him, especially “Calendar Girl” party references at Mar-a-Lago.
• Epstein File Disclosures: Partial release includes a slide titled “Prominent Names” listing: Donald Trump, Weinstein, Glenn Dubin, Prince Andrew, Leon Black, Dershowitz, Clinton, Lutnick, William Barr, etc.
• Specific Allegations:
  • One Jane Doe states Epstein introduced her to Trump, who allegedly assaulted her.
  • Another describes Trump and Epstein together, Trump responding, “Yes,” when Epstein introduces a “good one.”
• Total Volume: 3 million pages released; 38,000 references to Trump’s name, 5,000 files directly about him (clarified by Ben: [05:50] “Trump is on 5000 files, but there are 38,000 references to Donald Trump's names so far in the files.”)
• Bannon Connection: Steve Bannon’s extensive communications with Epstein about global political strategies (Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Brexit, and more); Trump posts photo with Bannon same morning as file deletion.

“It’s cover up after cover up with this regime… There are still 3 million more documents which may be as many as 50 million more pages…” – Ben Meiselas [05:55]

2. Trump’s Distraction Tactics & Outbursts

(06:00–09:06)

• Trump’s Social Posts: Distraction via posts about Indian architecture, magazine covers lauding foreign leaders over the U.S., and attacks on the Grammys and host Trevor Noah.
• Denial and Threats: Trump denies visiting Epstein Island (“I have never been to Epstein Island”) and threatens to sue Trevor Noah for defamation.

“Epstein Island came to you at Mar-a-Lago.” – Ben Meiselas [06:53]

• Suing the IRS: Trump is suing the U.S. government for $10 billion over a decade-old tax return leak, despite having paid almost no taxes.

“He wants us to pay him $10 billion when he settles with the government—when he settles with himself!” – Ben Meiselas [08:14]

3. DOJ Mishandles Victim Safety in Epstein File Release

(11:09–12:44)

• Minors’ names and unredacted photos released; hosts alert DOJ for removal.
• Exposure of 53 victims’ names (per WSJ). Re-traumatization of victims due to DOJ’s negligence.

“…What they produced re-traumatized victims and they’re still withholding documents. But there were definitely still bombshells…” – Ben Meiselas [11:37]

4. New Scandal: Whistleblower Complaint Against DNI Tulsi Gabbard

(12:52–13:32)

• Highly classified whistleblower complaint alleging “wrongdoing” locked in a secure safe, lawyer claims Gabbard is stonewalling. Gabbard’s office denies.

5. MAGA Republican Panic Over Latino Vote

(13:34–14:14)

• Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) admits GOP’s anti-immigrant stance is “haunting” them, alienating Latino voters.
• Audio: “We should have been focusing on criminals and gang members… not grandmothers.” [13:56]

6. GOP Excuses and Major Election Loss in Texas

(14:14–16:10)

• Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) blames a “snowstorm” and “timing” for a massive Democratic flip in a heavily pro-Trump district (TX-9); insists “special elections are special,” but concedes internal mistakes.

“The success of a rain dance has a lot to do with timing…” [15:08] – Pete Sessions

• Trump, who had heavily endorsed GOP candidate Lee Wham Gans, now claims he doesn’t know her.

7. The End of the Kennedy Center Under Trump

(16:08–19:32)

• Trump has “shut down” and bankrupted the Kennedy Center, a non-profit cultural institution, after staff and performers resign in protest.
• Former artistic director Ben Folds (interview clip) laments the loss, calls it an “authoritarian move” and “commandeering of the arts.”

“It’s really sad. The Kennedy center had so many great missions. And it is a memorial as well. …It was clearly the first step of… an authoritarian move.” – Ben Folds [17:50]

8. Broader Impact: U.S. Cultural & Economic Decline

(19:32–20:04)

• Disney reports a 6% drop in foreign US visitors; economic/cultural downturn continues.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Meiselas:

  • “[Trump] is frantically trying to have his Department of Justice delete Epstein files which contain his name on it.” [00:19]
  • “Trump is on 5000 files, but there are 38,000 references to Donald Trump's names so far in the files.” [05:50]
  • “Epstein Island came to you at Mar-a-Lago…” [06:53]
  • “He wants us to pay him $10 billion when he settles with the government—when he settles with himself!” [08:14]
  • “…What they produced re-traumatized victims and they’re still withholding documents.” [11:37]

• Rep. Carlos Gimenez:

  • “We should have been focusing on criminals and gang members and people with active deportation orders… I think it’s coming back to haunt us.” [13:56]

• Rep. Pete Sessions:

  • “The success of a rain dance has a lot to do with timing. …You should not lose any election in North Texas like this.” [15:08]

• Ben Folds:

  • “It was clearly the first step of… an authoritarian move. …It’s just sad, you know.” [17:50]

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------|------------| | Trump/Epstein DOJ Panic | 00:43–06:53| | Trump’s Social Rants & Lawsuits | 06:00–09:06| | DOJ Victim Protection Failure | 11:09–12:44| | DNI Gabbard Whistleblower | 12:52–13:32| | MAGA and Latino Vote | 13:34–14:14| | GOP Texas Election Loss | 14:14–16:10| | Kennedy Center Shutdown/Ben Folds| 16:08–19:32| | Disney/Economic Downturn | 19:32–20:04|

Summary Tone

The episode is urgent, confrontational, and laced with the brothers’ trademark mix of biting humor and passionate defense of democracy. The dialogue is incensed over corruption, government cover-ups, and political absurdity, but balanced by context, guest insight, and quick-witted commentary.

For listeners:

• The Meiselas brothers offer a no-holds-barred indictment of Trump’s legal panic and the unraveling of American democratic and cultural life.
• Key takeaways include bombshell Epstein file revelations, Trump’s distraction and deflection tactics, whistleblower drama implicating high-level officials, and GOP struggles at the ballot box.
• The episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking political accountability, the fallout from the Epstein files, and the broader cultural shift under Trump-era policies.