The Parnas Perspective

Episode: Breaking: Donald Trump has Terrible Presidents’ Day as Mass Protests Break Out
Host: Aaron Parnas
Date: February 16, 2026

Overview

On this pivotal Presidents’ Day episode, Aaron Parnas dives into a day of major political upheaval and public outcry. The show covers massive anti-Trump protests in New York, disturbing new details on the Epstein files and ongoing cover-ups, the fallout of a tragic mass shooting in Rhode Island, and high-level political maneuvers as Democrats prepare for potential power shifts in Congress. Aaron interviews Congressman Dan Goldman, a leader in past Trump impeachment efforts, for an insider’s perspective on the path forward for accountability and justice.

Key Discussion Points

1. Protests Against President Trump

• Location: Trump Tower, New York City
• Event: Hundreds gathered to demand Trump's resignation on Presidents’ Day, intensifying visible dissent against the current administration.
• Notable Moment: Parnas recounts the live scene ([01:15])

2. Epstein Files, Zorro Ranch Sale, and Faltering Transparency

• Revelation: The family of Donald Huffins, a Trump-allied Texas businessman, anonymously purchased Epstein's infamous Zorro Ranch for $13.4 million (2023)—a property never searched by authorities despite its known connection to child abuse ([02:10]).
  • “The campaign has not explained the purpose of the acquisition and to this day the Zorro Ranch has not been searched by state or federal authorities.” – Aaron Parnas ([02:31])
• Escalating Scrutiny: The Trump administration has halted further release of Epstein files, citing insufficient reasons and prompting bipartisan outrage.
• Call to Action: Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (quoted via Parnas) demands Attorney General Pam Bondi’s resignation or impeachment for obstructing Epstein-related investigations.

3. Resignation Fallout: Tom Pritzker and Epstein Links

• Development: Hyatt Hotels Executive Chairman Tom Pritzker retires, citing association with Jeffrey Epstein ([04:34]).

4. Tragedy in Rhode Island: Another Mass Shooting

• Incident: Shooting at a Pawtucket hockey game leaves one dead, four injured—underscoring the country’s gun violence epidemic ([04:36]).
• Aaron’s Reflection:
  • “Children can no longer even play hockey in peace without having to fear a possible mass shooting.” – Aaron Parnas ([00:52], reiterated at [04:46])

5. Interview: Congressman Dan Goldman on Epstein Files, Impeachment Prospects, and Election Integrity

Parnas hosts a penetrating interview with Rep. Dan Goldman, highlighting institutional failings and outlining possible paths for congressional oversight.

A. DOJ’s Epstein Files Obstruction

• Goldman’s Take:
  • “This is a massive cover-up. It is becoming more and more clear … there’s no possible way that two and a half million documents are not covered by the requirements of the bill.” – Rep. Dan Goldman ([07:22])
  • Critiques lack of adequate privilege logs and transparency from DOJ.
  • Believes public and political pressure, rather than internal DOJ mechanisms, could force greater disclosure.
• Enforcement Weakness: Parnas asks about enforcing the Epstein Files Transparency Act if DOJ refuses to comply; Goldman notes the challenge but insists that "public opinion still does matter" ([09:25–11:12]).
  • “The administration … [is] covering up for Donald Trump, but it’s also clear that they’re covering up for others who were involved while exposing and intimidating the survivors and the victims. And that’s just not going to fly with the American people, both Democrat and Republican.” – Rep. Dan Goldman ([10:30])

B. Trump’s Name in the Files

• Parnas: Directly questions whether Trump’s name appears more often than publicly revealed ([11:12]).
• Goldman:
  • Admits he hasn't fully sifted through ~3 million pages, but identifies clear instances where Trump's relationship with Epstein is discussed in unredacted files.
  • “If there’s one example of that that we know about, imagine how many more examples there are that we don’t know about because there are 2 and a half to 3 million additional documents that are not provided.” ([12:26])

C. Anticipating Accusations of Foreign Election Interference

• Topic: Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments about ensuring “the right people” vote.
• Goldman’s Response:
  • "It’s chilling ... She effectively said the quiet part out loud ... this is to try to influence the election, potentially rig or steal the election.” ([14:00])
  • Dismisses GOP rhetoric on voter fraud as "total bogus," citing studies and lack of evidence.

D. On Impeachment and Accountability

• If Democrats Retake the House:
  • Parnas inquires about plans for impeachment ([16:06]).
  • Goldman’s Strategic Vision:
    • “I believe what is really important is less the actual articles of impeachment, but the investigation and the process ... Even the process of doing that will be beneficial for transparency and accountability with the American public.” ([16:32])
    • Stresses the role of robust investigations in informing and engaging the public, even if convicting the president in the Senate remains unrealistic.
    • Committed to leading thorough oversight and possible impeachment if evidence warrants.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron Parnas on the climate of violence and accountability:

  • “Children can no longer even play hockey in peace without having to fear a possible mass shooting.” ([00:52])
  • “The campaign has not explained the purpose of the acquisition and to this day the Zorro Ranch has not been searched by state or federal authorities.” ([02:31])

• Rep. Dan Goldman on DOJ’s Epstein files cover-up:

  • “This is a massive cover up. It is becoming more and more clear that it is in part because of what we know about their redactions, but also in part because there's no possible way that two and a half million documents are not covered by the requirements of the bill.” ([07:22])
  • “The administration … [is] covering up for Donald Trump, but it’s also clear that they’re covering up for others who were involved while exposing and intimidating the survivors and the victims.” ([10:30])

• Rep. Goldman on Kristi Noem's comments:

  • “She effectively said the quiet part out loud ... this is to try to influence the election, potentially rig or steal the election.” ([14:00])

• Goldman on impeachment’s purpose:

  • “What is really important is less the actual articles of impeachment, but the investigation and the process... Even the process of doing that will be beneficial for transparency and accountability with the American public.” ([16:32])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Protest Coverage & Zorro Ranch exposé | 00:35–03:26 | | Ocasio Cortez Demands Pam Bondi Resignation | 03:00–03:26 | | Mass Shooting Report (Rhode Island) | 04:34–04:56 | | Interview Intro – Dan Goldman | 06:10–06:35 | | DOJ’s Epstein Files Cover-Up | 07:22–09:07 | | Legal Barriers & Congressional Leverage | 09:07–11:12 | | Trump’s Name in Epstein Files | 11:12–13:14 | | Kristi Noem “Right People Vote” & Election Integrity| 13:38–16:06 | | Impeachment’s Value and Democratic Strategy | 16:06–19:24 |

Memorable Moments

• The emotional charge as Parnas describes scenes from the ground at Trump Tower and the haunting reality of a mass shooting at a children’s hockey game.
• Ocasio Cortez’s scathing rebuke of the Attorney General over Epstein cover-ups, delivered with righteous exasperation ([03:26]).
• Congressman Dan Goldman’s unwavering insistence on accountability and transparency, laying out a blueprint for congressional Democrats if they regain power ([16:32]).

Tone & Style

The episode is passionate, urgent, and heavily informed by insider political and legal analysis. Aaron Parnas maintains a balance of journalistic clarity and emotional drive, especially when confronting issues of child abuse, gun violence, and government accountability. Goldman speaks directly and plainly, offering a strategic yet principled approach to the checks and balances of American democracy.

For listeners wanting a thorough immersion in the current political and legal turmoil—especially relating to Trump’s presidency, the Epstein scandal, and Democratic strategies for 2026—this episode is unmissable.