The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Trump Visibly Panics at Press Conference over Epstein Files
Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers dive into Donald Trump’s chaotic and revealing press conference following the partial release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. They analyze Trump’s panicked responses, his repeated false claims of vindication, and the broader fallout, including Trump’s attacks on political opponents and involvement of key figures like Steve Bannon. The brothers also discuss the murkiness surrounding financial deals with UAE royals and the Trump Organization, as well as controversies over the Kennedy Center closure and further investigations into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Press Conference Panic Over Epstein Files

[03:01]

• The brothers note that Trump made “numerous incriminating admissions” during the Oval Office press conference, which was prompted by the release of 3 million Epstein-related documents.
• They emphasize that though Trump insists there’s “nothing on me,” there are reportedly 38,000 references to Trump in 5,000 documents within the Epstein files.
• Trump tries to redirect attention to Democrats, particularly Bill Clinton and Bill Gates.
  • Quote: “The DOJ...should just say we have other things to do because that whole thing has turned out, I mean, other than Bill Clinton and, you know, Bill Gates and lots of people that have, there are a lot of questions about it, but nothing on me.” – Donald Trump [03:38]
• Trump further claims that Jeffrey Epstein and author Michael Wolff were “conspiring” to make him lose the election, an assertion the hosts call out as a transparent attempt to distance himself.

2. Trump’s Comments on Trevor Noah and Lawsuits

[05:03]

• Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over jokes tying Trump to Epstein’s island made at the Grammys.
  • Quote: “He said that I spent time on Jeffrey’s...Jeffrey Epstein’s island. I didn’t. I mean, he’s a lightweight. This guy is terrible.” – Donald Trump [05:58]
• The hosts mock Trump’s quick, informal reference to “Jeffrey,” suggesting familiarity.

3. Trump’s Social Media Meltdown and Bannon’s Involvement

[06:34]

• Trump escalates his denials with multiple social media posts, claiming he was not friendly with Epstein and shifting blame to others.
• Bannon is repeatedly mentioned, as newly revealed emails tie him to Epstein as late as April 2019.
  • Quote: “We need to push back on the lies, then crush the pedo trafficking narrative, then rebuild your image as a philanthropist.” – Steve Bannon to Jeffrey Epstein, April 2019 [08:18]
• Trump posts supportive photos of Bannon, interpreted by the hosts as a signal to keep Bannon loyal and quiet.

4. Possible Destruction and Redaction of Sensitive Documents

[09:35]

• The podcast highlights allegations that Trump’s DOJ deleted documents linking Trump to Epstein—later restoring them after backlash.
• They address the mishandling and potential leaking of victim identities from the files, with judges being petitioned by attorneys to intervene.
  • Quote: “The one task was to protect the survivor's identity...that the survivor's attorney just filed an emergency motion...because our survivors have been re traumatized.” – Political Commentator [10:28]

5. Trump’s Attacks on Political Opponents

[11:38]

• Trump publicly attacks Representative Thomas Massie, co-sponsor of the Epstein Transparency Act, with a bizarre, personal post about Massie’s marriage.
• The brothers see this as an attempt to silence critics as “38,000 references” to Trump in the Epstein files become public.

6. Press Conference on Janine Pirro and Federal Reserve Chair Powell

[12:56]

• Trump is asked if Janine Pirro (now U.S. Attorney for D.C.) will drop an investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
• Trump signals Pirro will aggressively pursue the investigation and derides the cost of renovations at the Fed.
  • Quote: “Jeanine Pirro is incredible and she'll figure it out. But now you want to take it and just find out what happened.” – Donald Trump [13:10]
• Hosts contextualize this as Trump using law enforcement for political retribution.

7. Trump’s Plan to “Renovate” the Kennedy Center

[16:05]

• Trump is questioned about shutting down the Kennedy Center for two years for renovations.
• He claims the center is “run down” and promises a $200 million top-tier renovation.
  • Quote: “I'm not ripping it out. I'll be using the steel...But when it's open, it'll be brand new and really beautiful.” – Donald Trump [16:24]
• The hosts allege the real motivation was plummeting attendance and high-profile performer cancellations—embarrassing for the Trump White House.

8. UAE Investments and National Security Concerns

[17:45]

• Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that UAE’s royal family invested hundreds of millions in “World Liberty Financial” (a Trump company with no product) and received access to classified semiconductor chips.
• Trump denies knowledge, deflects by claiming, “I know that crypto is a big thing and they like it. My sons are handling that...”
  • Quote: “I don’t know about it...I have all I can handle right now...if we don’t do crypto, then China’s going to do it.” – Donald Trump [18:42]
• The hosts point out the timing—deal signed just before the 2017 inauguration, massive cash infusion, and direct access to sensitive technology, identifying serious corruption and national security implications.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That whole thing has turned out...I mean, other than Bill Clinton and, you know, Bill Gates...nothing on me.” – Donald Trump [03:38]
• “He said that I spent time on Jeffrey’s...Jeffrey Epstein’s island. I didn’t.” – Donald Trump [05:58]
• “We need to push back on the lies, then crush the pedo trafficking narrative, then rebuild your image as a philanthropist.” – Steve Bannon (email) [08:18]
• “Not only wasn’t I friendly with Jeffrey Epstein...I never went to the infested Epstein Island. But almost all the crooked Democrats and their donors did.” – Trump’s Social Media Statement [06:34]
• “There are files that talk about Donald Trump and Epstein together and Epstein says, I brought this one for you...” – Political Commentator [09:35]
• “Jeanine Pirro is incredible and she'll figure it out.” – Donald Trump [13:10]
• “We're going to have something that when it opens, it's going to be brand new, beautiful...” – Donald Trump [16:24]
• “I don’t know about it...My sons are handling that.” – Donald Trump on UAE investment [18:42]

Important Timestamps

• [03:01] – Analysis of Trump’s panicked press conference and Epstein document denials
• [05:03] – Trump discusses possible lawsuit against Trevor Noah; denial of Epstein Island connections
• [06:34] – Social media tirades, Bannon emails, DOJ deletions, and leaking victim names
• [12:56] – Trump on Janine Pirro’s Fed investigation
• [16:05] – Kennedy Center closure for renovations
• [17:45] – Confrontation over UAE investment and sensitive technology access

Episode Tone & Style

• The Meiselas brothers maintain their characteristic brotherly banter, sarcasm, and energetic delivery while focusing on the gravity of Trump’s legal, ethical, and security scandals.
• They alternate between mockery (especially of Trump’s evasions) and deep concern for democracy, victims, and transparency.

Summary Takeaways

This episode unpacks an extraordinary moment in Trump’s post-presidency: a press conference that backfires, drawing more attention to his deep entanglements with Jeffrey Epstein, Steve Bannon, and powerful foreign actors. The hosts argue the panicked rhetoric and contradictory statements signal Trump’s mounting fears over legal consequences, growing political isolation, and exposure of corrupt dealings. For listeners, the episode offers a detailed, irreverent, and insightful breakdown of the week’s most consequential scandals from the MeidasTouch perspective.