The NPR Politics Podcast: Weekly Roundup – Trump Attacks Media Over Epstein Story
Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, hosts Ashley Lopez, Tamara Keith, and Domenico Montanaro delve into the latest political developments surrounding former President Donald Trump and the Jeffrey Epstein saga. The discussion navigates through Trump's recent attacks on the media, internal shifts within the Department of Justice, the administration's budgeting strategies, and an in-depth analysis of Trump's foreign policy. The episode concludes with the lighthearted "Can't Let It Go" segment, highlighting memorable moments from the week.

1. Trump and the Jeffrey Epstein Controversy

Overview: The episode opens with a focus on President Trump's ongoing battle with his political base concerning the Jeffrey Epstein case. Formerly associated with Epstein, Trump faces pressure from his supporters demanding more transparency about Epstein's death and alleged client lists.

Key Points:

• Media Scrutiny: The Wall Street Journal reported on a purported sexually suggestive birthday note Trump sent to Epstein, which included a woman's figure drawing. Trump vehemently denied the authenticity of the note, declaring, “this is a fake” and threatening legal action against the Journal (02:00).

• Trump’s Defense: Trump criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for not releasing more information, labeling her actions as weak. He asserted, “I don't want the support of people who are gonna be saying that they are doubtful of what Pam Bondi has released” (01:21).

• Social Media Offensive: Trump increased his social media presence regarding Epstein, questioning why Democrats, who controlled relevant files, didn’t utilize them if a "smoking gun" existed. He also mocked Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Wall Street Journal, stating, “I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch … to testify in my lawsuit against him” (03:05).

• Attorney General’s Response: Trump requested the release of grand jury testimonies related to Epstein, indicating a possible concession to his base's demands, though experts suggest this move serves more as a deflection (04:21).

Notable Quote:

“If there was a smoking gun on Epstein, why didn't the Dems who controlled the files for four years … use it?” – President Trump (03:36)

2. Firing of Maureen Comey and DOJ/FBI Shake-Up

Overview: The Trump administration's decision to terminate Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor involved in high-profile cases including Epstein's, signals a broader purge within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.

Key Points:

• Maureen Comey’s Role: Comey prosecuted significant cases, including that of Ghislaine Maxwell and Sean Combs (Diddy), underscoring her professional independence separate from her father, former FBI Director James Comey (05:45).

• Possible Motivations: The exact reason for her dismissal remains unclear, though the timing coincides with Trump's apparent discomfort with her involvement in sensitive investigations related to his administration (05:45).

• Broader Implications: This move is part of a larger trend where career prosecutors and FBI agents with connections to Trump’s adversaries are being ousted, reflecting an aggressive stance against perceived opposition within federal agencies (06:25).

Notable Observation:

“This is part of a much broader bloodletting at the FBI and the Department of Justice.” – Catherine Marr (06:25)

3. Rescission Package and Budgetary Strategies

Overview: The episode examines Congress’s approval of a rescission package requested by the White House, which seeks to cut approximately $9 billion from previously approved funding bills. This action is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to assert executive power over the federal budget.

Key Points:

• Nature of Rescissions: Rescission bills aim to retract allocated funds, requiring only a simple majority (50+1 votes) in the Senate, making them resilient against filibusters (07:04).

• Administration’s Approach: Russell Vogt, head of the Office of Management and Budget, indicated that this package is just the beginning, with plans to introduce more rescissions to reduce government spending further (07:04).

• Partisan Implications: Vogt advocates for a less bipartisan, more partisan approach to the appropriations process, arguing that the current system requires undue compromise that stifles their initiatives (07:04).

• Political Power Dynamics: The administration’s strategy reflects an intent to consolidate power within the executive branch, sidelining congressional authority and aiming for greater unilateral control over the budget (08:03).

Notable Quote:

“They want ultimate power. They want the minority to have no power.” – Domenico Montanaro (08:17)

4. Trump’s Foreign Policy Doctrine

Overview: In an extended discussion with NPR’s national security correspondent Greg Myhrey, the hosts analyze President Trump’s foreign policy, assessing its coherence, effectiveness, and alignment with his campaign promises to end endless wars.

Key Points:

• Lack of a Clear Doctrine: Despite slogans like “Peace through Strength” and “America First,” Trump’s foreign policy lacks a consistent guiding framework. Decisions often appear reactionary, influenced by personal relationships with foreign leaders rather than strategic principles (11:24).

• Successes and Failures:

  • Successes: Trump's administration successfully brokered ceasefires in the Israel-Iran conflict and the India-Pakistan skirmish, earning him praise for swiftly ending immediate hostilities (12:23).
  • Failures: The Russia-Ukraine war highlighted the limitations of Trump's approach. Initial optimism for a quick deal with Putin failed, leading to increased military support for Ukraine (15:01). Similarly, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict remains unresolved, with humanitarian crises persisting (16:17).

• Deal-Oriented Approach: Trump emphasizes making deals and peace agreements, often celebrating short-term victories without addressing long-term solutions. This “strength without commitment” strategy has achieved temporary successes but leaves underlying issues unresolved (14:46).

• Alignment with Voter Expectations: While Trump promised to end endless wars, the administration’s mixed record has elicited varying responses from his base. Initial military disengagements have been lauded, but subsequent involvements reflect a complex and often contradictory foreign policy execution (17:59).

Notable Quotes:

“President Trump is focused on deals, peace deals, trade deals, deals for American businesses.” – Catherine Marr (11:24)
“He has come in very strong in a number of cases… strength without commitment.” – Discussion on foreign policy execution (14:46)
“You don't hear Trump talking about defending democracy or the critical need to defend human rights abroad.” – Greg Myhrey (16:28)

5. Can't Let It Go: Memorable Moments of the Week

In the final segment, the hosts share lighthearted and entertaining stories that captured their attention over the week.

Key Highlights:

• Baseball’s All-Star Game Drama: Domenico Montanaro recounts an unprecedented resolution to a tied All-Star Game, where a mini home run derby decided the winner. He praises the sport’s blend of competition and personality showcase among young players (21:06).

• Finnish Bus Joyride: Ashley Lopez describes a quirky incident in Helsinki where a drunk man commandeered a city bus, leading to a brief, amusing "joyride" before safely exiting with passengers unharmed (22:54).

• Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam Mishap: Tamara Keith shares a humorous moment from a Coldplay concert where a couple intentionally avoided a staged kiss captured by the venue’s kiss cam. The situation was exacerbated by an AI-generated spoof statement attributed to a company CEO, adding an unexpected twist to the story (24:03).

Notable Exchange:

Domenico Montanaro: “It's the first time it's ever happened. This is why I can't let it go.” – Referring to the unique All-Star Game resolution (21:56)

Conclusion

This episode of The NPR Politics Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump's latest political maneuvers, both domestically and internationally. From his contentious interactions with the media over the Epstein case to strategic shifts within federal agencies and ambitious budgetary rescissions, the Trump administration continues to shape Washington's political landscape. Additionally, the exploration of Trump’s foreign policy reveals a complex blend of deal-making and inconsistent strategic implementation. The episode concludes with engaging lighter stories, offering a well-rounded portrayal of the week's events.

Notable Contributors:

• Ashley Lopez: Host, covers politics
• Tamara Keith: Co-host, covers the White House
• Domenico Montanaro: Co-host, senior political editor and correspondent
• Greg Myhrey: NPR National Security Correspondent

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Trump on Attorney General Pam Bondi:
  “I don't want the support of people who are gonna be saying that they are doubtful of what Pam Bondi has released.” (01:21)

• Trump on Rescissions and Media:
  “I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch … to testify in my lawsuit against him in his pile of garbage newspaper, the Wall Street Journal.” (03:05)

• Catherine Marr on DOJ/FBI Purge:
  “This is part of a much broader bloodletting at the FBI and the Department of Justice.” (06:25)

• Domenico Montanaro on Partisan Rescissions:
  “They want ultimate power. They want the minority to have no power.” (08:17)

• Greg Myhrey on Trump’s Foreign Policy:
  “He is realistic in that sense.” (16:28)

Note: Times in brackets correspond to the transcript's timestamps for reference.