The Michael Knowles Show | Ep. 1860 - BREAKING: Dems Caught Texting Epstein, Files To Be Released

Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael Knowles takes a deep dive into the breaking developments regarding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, examines the bipartisan chaos and cynical political theater surrounding the scandal, and discusses supplementary hot topics including the radicalism of New York politician Zoran Mamdani, clarifications from Pope Leo on immigration, a prominent trans YouTuber’s conversion to Christianity, and recent research on the mental health of liberal vs. conservative girls. With his usual sardonic tone, Knowles dissects media narratives and exposes what he sees as hackery, hypocrisy, and structural issues across politics and culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Epstein Files: A Bipartisan Farce?

• House Vote for Release:
  The House overwhelmingly votes 427–1 to release the Epstein files—"an amazing testament to the persistence of interest in this issue,” Knowles notes (03:00).

• Skepticism on Transparency:
  Knowles remains doubtful that this vote will lead to meaningful new disclosures:

  “You will never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, find out anything more than you currently know about what Jeffrey Epstein was actually up to.” (03:17)

• Who Voted No?:
  Only Rep. Clay Higgins voted against the bill, citing concerns over violating legal procedures and harming innocents mentioned in the files. Knowles conveys empathy for this position, highlighting the dangers of mob mentality and media feeding frenzies (05:00).

• Intelligence Community Involvement:
  Discussion of admissions that national security and intelligence agencies are implicated:

  “It is now certainly beyond a shadow of a doubt Epstein was involved in some way with intelligence.” (07:30)
  Knowles references reporting that Alex Acosta was told Epstein "belonged to intelligence" and connects the dots to suspected ties between Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and multiple international agencies.

• Political Weaponization of the Scandal:
  The issue ping-pongs between parties:

  “The Epstein case is being presented by Democrats as a Trump scandal... but the issue long predates Trump’s entry into politics.” (09:18)
  He argues the main public fascination is about the potential compromise and corruption of the government via blackmail, not primarily justice for the victims.

• Cynicism About Document Releases:

  “All of this, the files are gonna be released, the black book, the names of the clients and the Johns. It is all a distraction. You are simply not going to get to the heart of it.” (12:42) Knowles expresses frustration at endless distractions and doubts the true depth of the scandal will ever be revealed.

Notable Quotes:

• “When all the Republicans and all the Democrats in Washington agree on something, I’m skeptical of that thing.” (04:31)
• “Tell me who Jeffrey Epstein was working for, if anyone... Or shut up about it.” (19:39)

2. Democrat Hypocrisy: Texting and Fundraising with Epstein

• New Revelations:
  Evidence emerges that Democrat Rep. Stacey Plaskett was texting Epstein, seeking tips on how to question Trump associates during a 2019 hearing (15:10).
• Democrats on the Defensive:
  Jamie Raskin and Hakeem Jeffries attempt to downplay the severity, referring to Epstein as merely “one of her constituents” (16:42), which Knowles ridicules.
• Donation Irony:
  Jasmine Crockett erroneously accuses Republicans of taking Epstein’s money, but actual FEC filings show ties between Jeffrey Epstein and Democrat fundraising efforts, including outreach to Hakeem Jeffries (18:09).

Quote:

“So now we’re in this phase where anybody—he got a donation from somebody named Jeffrey. Hmm. Coincidence. Yes.” (18:13)

3. Zoran Mamdani’s Fundraising Machine & Radical Positioning

• Aggressive Fundraising:
  The newly elected self-identified Democratic Socialist of New York, Zoran Mamdani, immediately launches a major fundraising drive for his transition, citing lack of public funds (21:35).

  “Hey, I know I just got elected. I need you to give me a lot of money.” (22:50)

• Political Chameleon:
  Knowles notes Mamdani’s ability to connect with both radical Muslims and liberal hipsters, calling him a “very good politician.” (23:31)
• International Law Posturing:
  Mamdani claims New York is a “city of international law” and muses about arresting PM Netanyahu over ICC warrants (26:44). Knowles lambasts this, reminding listeners that international law does not supersede U.S. law.

Quote:

“New York City is not a city of international law... The International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction here.” (28:26)

4. Clarification from Pope Leo on Immigration

• Pope Responds to Critics:
  After criticisms of liberalism and misunderstanding of Church doctrine, Pope Leo clarifies:

  “No one has said that the United States should have open borders. I think every country has a right to determine who and how and when people enter.” (31:52)

  • Advocates for humane treatment and due process for illegal immigrants but upholds the state’s right to border control and deportation through lawful means.

• Knowles’ Reaction:
  Welcomes the Pope’s nuanced position, asserting it vindicates responsible Catholic voices who have supported border enforcement (33:00).

5. Trans YouTuber Blair White’s Conversion to Christianity

• Notable Segment:
  Blair White, a prominent trans-identified YouTuber, announces Christian conversion but says he does not feel “called” to detransition, viewing Christ as “transcending flesh” (39:28).
• Knowles’ Response:
  Encourages Blair’s spiritual direction but identifies theological confusion:

  “The entire story of Jesus is... that Jesus became flesh... The flesh is so important that the early Christian writer Tertullian says that the flesh is the hinge of salvation. That’s the key.” (41:24)
  Emphasizes the incarnational and bodily reality at the heart of Christianity, pushing back lovingly against the Gnostic approach Blair described.

6. New Research: Why Are Liberal Girls So Depressed?

• Jonathan Haidt’s Findings:
  Research shows liberal girls are far more likely to be depressed than conservative girls, with social media and disempowering narratives playing a major role (44:44).

  “Being conservative seems to root you. You’re not as easily pushed into this crazy world... And religious people on the right are like, the most normal.” (45:20–45:38)

• Knowles' Take:
  Enjoys Haidt's honest but surprised liberal perspective and underscores the broader point:

  “Leftism is evidence of a major problem in thinking and behavior and spirit. It just is. And it’s worse to be on the left than to be on the right.” (46:20)

Highlights & Memorable Moments

• (03:17) - Knowles’ immediate skepticism about real transparency on Epstein.
• (07:30) - Direct acknowledgment of Epstein’s intelligence ties.
• (16:34) - House Dems dodge on party members’ Epstein texts.
• (18:13) - Back-and-forth over “Jeffrey Epstein” campaign donations.
• (22:50) - Satire of Mamdani’s rapid fundraising pitch.
• (28:26) - Debunking the notion of “international law” in U.S. cities.
• (31:52) - Pope Leo’s statement refuting open borders.
• (41:24) - Knowles’ catechesis on the centrality of the flesh in Christian doctrine.
• (45:20) - Haidt’s research and Knowles’ analysis on political ideology and well-being.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------------| | House vote/Opening on Epstein files | 03:00 – 05:30 | | Rep. Higgins’ stand, privacy/legal argument | 05:00 – 06:30 | | Intelligence involved in Epstein saga | 07:30 – 09:15 | | Why the public really cares about Epstein | 09:18 – 13:00 | | Dems texting Epstein – Plaskett revealed | 15:10 – 16:42 | | DNC campaign donation ironies | 18:01 – 19:00 | | Cynicism about scandal, demands for substance | 19:00 – 20:30 | | Zoran Mamdani’s fundraising | 21:35 – 22:50 | | Mamdani on international law & Netanyahu | 26:41 – 28:26 | | Pope Leo on immigration, border policy | 31:47 – 33:00 | | Blair White conversion/conversion theology | 39:28 – 41:24 | | Jonathan Haidt on liberal girls’ depression | 44:44 – 46:20 |

Summary Table: Major Players & Their Roles

| Person | Topic/Role | Key Quote/Fact | |----------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Michael Knowles | Host/Commentator | “Tell me who Jeffrey Epstein was working for, if anyone…” | | Rep. Clay Higgins | “No” vote, Epstein files| Argues for protecting innocent names in files | | Jamie Raskin, H. Jeffries | Dem leaders | Downplay party texting ties to Epstein | | Stacey Plaskett | Dem, texting Epstein | Sought Epstein’s advice during Trump legal grilling | | Zoran Mamdani | NY Dem Soc., Fundraising| “We need to raise $4 million in total...” | | Pope Leo | Catholic leader | “No one has said the US should have open borders...” | | Blair White | YouTuber, convert | “To me, the story of Jesus is that he transcended flesh.” | | Jonathan Haidt | Social Scientist | “Liberal girls... much more likely to be depressed.” |

Tone & Style

Knowles maintains his trademark blend of sardonic wit, cultural critique, and earnest ideological commentary. He lampoons hypocrisy, both left and right, and refuses to let political dogma override principle or logic.

For New Listeners

This episode offers a thorough recap of current controversies around Epstein, with deep dives into hypocrisy and political theater in both parties, punctuated by reflections on religion, social science, and identity. It’s a sharp, fast-moving episode with plenty of substance for listeners craving detail and context on today’s most divisive headlines.