Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast
Episode: Trump Panics Over Epstein Files Hack?!!
Release Date: February 18, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Overview
In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive deep into the ongoing saga of Donald Trump, the Jeffrey Epstein files, and a series of alleged Iranian cyberattacks targeting Trump and his associates. Through a blend of investigative analysis and candid brotherly banter, the hosts explore whether recent Iranian hacks have compromised secret Epstein files and if Trump’s peculiar responses signal a deeper sense of panic. The episode combines meticulous reporting on the hacks with pointed questions about national security, Trump’s personal vulnerability, and the wider implications for American democracy.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Iranian Hacking Campaigns: Timeline and Targets
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Early Iranian Hacks: The hosts chronicle a consistent pattern of Iranian-backed hacking efforts targeting Donald Trump, his campaign, and key associates, dating back to at least 2024.
- 2024: Iranian hackers launched a spear phishing campaign against Trump’s campaign. Microsoft notified the Trump camp, which led to public acknowledgment only after the company made the breach public.
- June 2025: Iranian hacking group 313 Team claims responsibility for a cyberattack on Truth Social, coinciding with U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
- Prior Hacks: Hack of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak revealed deep business ties between Barak and Epstein, released by hacker group Hondala via the website DDoSecrets.
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Scope of Stolen Data: Discussed at [06:34], Ben elaborates that beyond personal emails, sensitive business deals, direct communications, and even possible evidence of criminal activity may be part of the stolen trove.
“We know that Iran has a history of hacking Donald Trump and people in his regime. And Ayatollah Khamenei… has hinted that he possibly has information that could bring down Donald Trump and the regime.”
—Ben, [01:34]
The Epstein-Barak Connection and Email Leaks
- May 2025 Leak: Previously unknown business ventures between Epstein and Barak came to light, involving Israeli drones, malaria technology, and American oil and gas transactions.
- Epstein’s Role: The emails reveal Epstein as a trusted advisor, fixer, and friend to Barak, blurring the line between professional and personal relations ([05:40]).
“Emails reveal Epstein served as a trusted financial advisor, fixer, concierge, sounding board and even friend to the ex-Israeli leader…”
—Ben, [05:51]
Trump’s Response: Paranoia, Deflection, and Communications Breakdown
- Trump’s Posture: Trump’s social posts and official statements exhibit both bravado and an undercurrent of anxiety, especially when speaking directly to the Iranian regime or referencing hacks.
- Social Media Posts (Aug 2024): Trump downplays the hack, insists only public info was stolen, but criticizes the U.S. government’s weakness ([07:05]).
- Support for Iranian Protesters (Jan 2026): Urges protesters on, claims to have their back but later tries to take credit for the halting of executions when the situation worsens.
“He threw them under the bus, he… threw them into a death spot, like literally threw them into their deaths.”
—Ben, [09:10]
Ayatollah’s Public Threats and Psychological Warfare
- Declarations from Tehran: Ayatollah Khamenei taunts Trump with hints of further exposure and refers to America’s “island of corruption” ([02:50], [12:15]).
- Back Channels: The Iranian leadership allegedly tells Trump, via intermediaries in Qatar, that more damaging disclosures could emerge, putting Trump on the defensive.
“The message that the Ayatollah is sending back is basically more is going to come out about you, Donald…”
—Ben, [11:53]
Security and National Interest at Stake
- Question Raised: Are these leaks and hacks a national security crisis, given they could include confidential communications, direct messages, and potential evidence of wrongdoing within Trump's circle?
- Spear Phishing Risks: The Iranian groups could use stolen emails to build sophisticated phishing attacks against listed individuals ([18:45]).
Brotherly Analysis: Legal, Political, and Info Security Angles
- Legal Perspective (Ben): Compares hacking data to subpoenaed documents in litigation—cross-referencing third-party hacks to expose what Trump’s team may have concealed.
- Political Context: Broader implications for American democracy and the risk of foreign leverage over a former (and possibly future) president.
- Comedic Tone: Interspersed with the brothers’ signature wit and sarcasm about Trump’s defensiveness and the absurdity of the situation.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Iranian Hacking Capabilities:
"The Iranian hackers are top notch hackers… great hackers can look at those Epstein files and see the emails and see everybody who's attached and they could get a roadmap…"
—Ben, [19:04] -
On Trump’s Unsecure Communications
"Trump doesn't really use secure devices… he uses Truth Social as a way to do text messages… So does Iran have all his direct messages?"
—Ben, [17:20] -
On Political Gaslighting
"Trump pretends with all of this happening that there's peace in the Middle East… ‘We essentially have peace in the Middle East.’ No, there isn’t."
—Ben, [16:36] -
On Information Warfare
"If you don't believe the Ayatollah is hinting to Donald Trump that he's got dirt, then I've got some Trump Bibles to sell you right now."
—Ben, [12:34]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- [01:34]: Opening discussion of Iranian history of hacking Trump
- [05:40]: Details of Ehud Barak and Epstein emails
- [08:54]: Trump’s TV response about protests in Iran
- [11:25]: Discussion of Iranian back channel communications and threats
- [12:15-12:34]: Ayatollah’s latest public hint at Trump
- [14:17]: Trump’s comments about upcoming Iran talks
- [15:12]: Lindsey Graham’s warning about Iranian intentions
- [16:36]: Trump’s claims about peace in the Middle East
- [17:20]: Analysis of Trump’s insecure communications and potential direct message leaks
- [18:45]: Spear-phishing risks from the hacked data
- [19:04]: Closing reflection on Iranian hacker skills and what's next
Conclusion
The Meiselas brothers pull no punches in presenting a thorough—and often biting—examination of the cyberattacks surrounding Trump, the Epstein files, and the global political fallout. Their legal backgrounds, media savvy, and ability to weave humor into serious news make this episode both accessible and compelling. With hackers, geopolitics, and the specter of blackmail swirling around Trump and his allies, the key question lingers: Is the former president truly panicking—and what secrets may yet come to light from the digital shadows?