Breaking: Republicans Flee From Epstein Co-Conspirator Deposition as Effort to Protect Trump Exposed

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Parnas Perspective
Host: Aaron Parnas
Episode: Breaking: Republicans Flee From Epstein Co-Conspirator Deposition as Effort to Protect Trump Exposed
Date: February 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers a real-time breakdown of explosive political and legal news from the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network, focusing on the recent deposition of Les Wexner, a billionaire businessman and alleged Epstein co-conspirator. Host Aaron Parnas is joined by Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari, who attended Wexner's deposition. The episode highlights the unprecedented absence of Republican congressmembers at the deposition, raises questions about Wexner’s testimony, reveals new connections between Epstein and Trump’s circle, and critiques a perceived lack of Department of Justice (DOJ) action. The conversation is fast-paced and aims to provide listeners with the latest updates and behind-the-scenes details from the investigation.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Les Wexner Deposition and Republican Absence

[00:33–05:32]

• The deposition of Les Wexner, who allegedly enabled much of Epstein's financial activity, was held by the House Oversight Committee.
• Notably, no Republican members of Congress attended:
  • Quote: "It was appalling that not one Republican member of Congress showed up today... Les Wexner, who is the man that is responsible for Jeffrey Epstein's vast financial wealth." — Congresswoman Ansari [05:32]
• Wexner did not plead the Fifth and answered questions under oath, but his responses were seen as evasive or minimizing.
  • "He, in my view, was not forthcoming and not truthful about the nature and extent of his relationship with Epstein... He had power of attorney over Les Wexner's financials. He made hundreds of millions of dollars from Les Wexner." — Congresswoman Ansari [05:32]

2. Wexner’s Relationship with Epstein

[02:32–05:32; 05:32–07:12]

• Analysts outlined Wexner's deep financial and personal involvement with Epstein.
  • Quote: "We should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there'd be no money to traffic women and girls. Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner." — Political Analyst [03:30]
• Although Wexner claimed he had only minimal contact with Epstein's properties, this contradicts documentation and victim statements.
• Wexner denied knowing about or participating in any abuse, and denied having a romantic relationship with Epstein when questioned.

3. New Revelations from Epstein Files

[03:54–05:32]

• Host Aaron Parnas shared newly unearthed emails documenting deeper connections, including links between Epstein and Howard Lutnick, Trump’s Commerce Secretary.
  • Example: Epstein facilitating nanny arrangements for Lutnick, raising further questions.
• An email from Susan Hamblin—now confirmed by Republicans—suggests her deeper involvement in the crimes; Parnas advocates for a DOJ investigation.

4. Issues with DOJ Investigations

[07:12–08:33]

• Despite Wexner being named in the files and FBI lists, he stated under oath that he had never been interviewed by DOJ or FBI.
  • Quote: "He has never been interviewed by the DOJ or the FBI, even though in the newly released files, his name is on that prominent list of potential co conspirators. So the fact that no Department of Justice ever has come to him... that is highly, highly concerning to me." — Congresswoman Ansari [07:12]
• This lack of law enforcement inquiry is presented as evidence of a broader systemic failure or attempted cover-up.

5. Partisanship and Political Motives

[08:33–09:25]

• No clear reason given for the Republican absence—the staff were present but no elected members attended.
• Ansari suggests this contrasts with expected Republican turnout for the upcoming Clinton-related depositions.
  • Quote: "I think for them, it's highly political. And for us, we really just want answers. We really want to get to the truth." — Congresswoman Ansari [08:38]

6. Victim Focus & Following the Money

[09:11–10:29]

• Victims and advocates consistently assert that understanding Epstein’s financial sources is critical, and Wexner is central.
• Wexner’s name repeatedly comes up as key to Epstein’s power and resources.

7. Trump Connections Explored

[09:25–10:29]

• Wexner was questioned about attending parties or events with Trump and Epstein where underage girls were present.
• He “flip-flopped” but acknowledged possible overlap at Victoria's Secret fashion shows, distancing both men from direct involvement.

8. Evasions and Defense Mechanisms

[10:29–11:21]

• Wexner answered most questions but was "defensive" and repeatedly claimed a lack of memory about critical details.
• Denied credible rumors of a romantic relationship with Epstein.
• Refused to acknowledge the many warnings he allegedly received about Epstein, raising suspicions among investigators.

9. The Call for Public Testimony and Full Accountability

[11:21–12:00]

• Congresswoman Ansari calls for all implicated parties to testify publicly, not behind closed doors.
  • Quote: "I believe everybody should testify publicly. I think this is of significant interest to the American people." — Congresswoman Ansari [11:27]
• She criticizes the lack of transparent investigation in the U.S. and emphasizes ongoing work to secure accountability.

10. Next Steps and Outlook

[12:00–13:52]

• Next week: Clinton-related depositions anticipated; scrutiny will be on whether Republican members attend.
• Investigators want to secure Wexner’s financial records, as he was evasive on this point in the deposition.
• Congresswoman Ansari insists DOJ must pursue real investigations and prosecutions based on the files.
  • "There is a lot in here to investigate and I think there's still so much we don't know." — Congresswoman Ansari [12:41]
• Ansari expects Wexner's deposition transcript will be made public, following precedent from prior depositions.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Republican Absence:
  • "It was appalling that not one Republican member of Congress showed up today... Les Wexner, who is the man that is responsible for Jeffrey Epstein's vast financial wealth."
    — Congresswoman Ansari [05:32]
• On the Essential Role of Wexner:
  • "There would be no Epstein Island, there'd be no Epstein plane... Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner."
    — Political Analyst [03:30]
• On Lack of DOJ Interviews:
  • "He has never been interviewed by the DOJ or the FBI, even though in the newly released files, his name is on that prominent list of potential co conspirators."
    — Congresswoman Ansari [07:12]
• On the Political Divide:
  • "I think for them, it's highly political. And for us, we really just want answers."
    — Congresswoman Ansari [08:38]
• On Need for Public Testimony:
  • "I believe everybody should testify publicly. I think this is of significant interest to the American people."
    — Congresswoman Ansari [11:27]
• On Next Steps:
  • "There is a lot in here to investigate and I think there's still so much we don't know."
    — Congresswoman Ansari [12:41]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:33] – Breaking news intro, context on Wexner and the Epstein investigation
• [02:32] – Analyst details the Epstein-Wexner financial relationship
• [05:32] – Congresswoman Ansari begins deposition recap
• [07:12] – Ansari on Wexner’s denial of knowledge, lack of DOJ/FBI investigation
• [08:38] – Discussion on political motives for Republican absence
• [09:29] – Wexner’s statements about Trump and events with Epstein
• [11:27] – Call for public testimony and broader accountability
• [12:00] – Next steps in the investigation

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Conclusion

Aaron Parnas’ episode offers a sharp, timely inside view of the Epstein files’ new legal and political developments, probing both the substance of Wexner’s testimony and the glaring omissions—especially the Republican lawmakers' absence and lack of DOJ engagement. Congresswoman Ansari’s account is clear: substantial questions remain unanswered, and the fight for accountability has just begun. The episode underscores the need for public scrutiny, further investigative action, and uncompromising pursuit of truth and justice in the Epstein scandal’s highest echelons.

Transcript

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

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[Podcast Host / Journalist]

We have major developments this evening. Major Epstein Files news as Republicans fled the Les Wexner deposition Les Wexner, as you know, is a significant business person. He was integral in the Epstein files. The FBI labeled him a co conspirator and today the House Oversight Committee interviewed him, deposed him under oath. He didn't plead the Fifth. But Republicans didn't show up. Ask yourselves why. Why wouldn't Republicans on the Oversight Committee who claim to want to know the truth about Jeffrey Epstein not show up to the deposition of an alleged co conspirator who is willing to talk at the same time? Newly released Epstein files as we keep digging show closer relationship between Donald Trump's Cabinet Secretary Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein along with new developments about some of the more horrific emails in the files. I spoke with Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari who was inside the deposition today. That interview is at the end of this clip. Make sure to like, comment, share and subscribe. The more you like, the more people see. And please subscribe to my to my substack. Click the link below to support my work. I'll have major updates coming soon. Let's just jump right into it. Les Wexner is a prominent American businessman, a philanthropist, best known for founding and leading L Brands which includes well known retail chains such as the Limited, Victoria's Secret. He's he was born in 1937, lives in Dayton, Ohio. He this is his bio by the way. He opened his first store, The Limited in 1963. Les Wexner was named a co conspirator in the Epstein files today. He said that he was, quote duped by Jeffrey Epstein. But as one prominent Democrat, Congressman Robert Garcia said, there is no Epstein island without Les Wexner.

[Political Analyst / Commentator]

Billion dollars that was either transferred, provided in stocks or given directly to Mr. Epstein by Wexner. We should be very clear that the two were very close. Per reporting, they spent a lot of time together. He Mr. Wexler admitted that he traveled to both Epstein's island as well as his other properties. Mr. Wexler also admitted that Jeffrey Epstein had access to a lot of Mr. Wexler's wealth. And when asked even simple questions, even as it relates to Mr. Epstein being the co president of the foundation that established the area that we're in today, Mr. Wexler had little to say. In fact, it's clear that Mr. Wexler is trying to downplay how close Jeffrey Epstein and Mr. Wexler actually were. And we should be very clear that there would be no Epstein island, there'd be no Epstein plane, there'd be no money to traffic women and girls. Mr. Epstein would not be the wealthy man he was without the support of Les Wexner. I think it's very important for us to note at this moment.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Now comes as we're getting more information about what's in the Epstein files. This is a file I found today from Jeffrey Epstein to Richard Kahn from October 3, 2013 where Jeffrey Epstein says he attaches a resume of Lutnick nanny. I'm trying to arrange a time via Peter for you to meet her. Lutnick is in reference to Howard Lutnick. Howard Lutnick serves Donald Trump's Commerce Secretary. Why is Jeffrey Epstein in 2013 talking about the resume for Howard Lutnick's nanny? In addition, remember this email. Thank you for fun night. Your littlest girl was a little naughty. Well, I previously confirmed that this was written by one Susan Hamlin. And today Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Republican confirmed it as well. Susan, Susan Hamblin sent this email. She took a plea deal and was given victim status under previous doj. DOJ should look into charges. Possible human rights violations were committed by Susan. I say that based on other files with her name on it. These women don't get a hide behind redactions. There were so many victims, none of which did what Susan did. This needs to be reopened. Major developments this evening as the White House is trying to get the public away from the Epstein files as major media companies seemingly have started to move on from them. I will never twice sat down with Congresswoman Yassim Ansari who was inside the Les Wexner deposition today. Before I get to it, make sure to like comment, share and subscribe. Here is my interview with Congresswoman Ansari. Excited to be joined by Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari from Ohio. Now, Congressman, I really just want to jump right in. You were President Les Wexner's deposition today. What are the takeaways that people need to know about what happened inside the deposit?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

First and foremost, I would say that it was appalling that not one Republican member of Congress showed up today. For the deposition. This is. It was an interview, you know, transcribed all day with Les Wexner, who is the man that is responsible for Jeffrey Epstein's vast financial wealth. And no Republican showed up. Now, getting into the content of the interview, the second biggest takeaway, I would say, was that he, in my view, was not forthcoming and not truthful about the nature and extent of his relationship with Epstein. As we know, not just from the files, but from widespread reporting and decades of information about their relationship, we know that for 20 plus years, Jeffrey Epstein and Les Wexner worked together. He had power of attorney over Les Wexner's financials. He made hundreds of millions of dollars from Les Wexner. And when we asked him directly, did you have a personal relationship? He said no. We also asked him if he's traveled to Epstein's island. He told me that he's been there for one hour and he's also been to the ranch for just one hour. So, you know, I think that it is highly, highly suspect to me, given, again, everything that we know, how little he pretended to know or remember about their relationship.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Did you all talk anything about the actual abuse that occurred on the island or at the ranch? Did Wexner say anything about his potential involvement in any of the abuse rather than just the money?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

He outright denied having any knowledge of it. He, of course, said he had no part in it. But, you know, most of the questions were about not just did he take part, but did he know anything. Did he ever see women or girls, children in any of these places? He said, no, no, no, I did not, and had no idea. Now, you know, the other piece that I should mention that I think is very important that he said under oath is that he has never been interviewed by the DOJ or the FBI, even though in the newly released files, his name is on that prominent list of potential co conspirators. So the fact that no Department of Justice ever has come to him, obviously this one has not. That is highly, highly concerning to me. It shows that there's never really been credible investigations into the claims and allegations in the files. So it also really shows that our work is just beginning because even as we're getting the files, even when we get all of the files, the purpose isn't just to have the files and to see all of these horrible things. It's to prosecute and hold these people accountable for the heinous things that they did to hundreds, if not thousands of children.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Do you know why Republicans didn't show up? Did they give you a reason for it?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

No, they did not. I mean, their staff was here. Committee staff was here. They were asking questions, but no members showed up. It will be interesting to see next week when we have the deposition with the Clintons, how many of the Republicans show up? I think for them, it's highly political. And for us, we really just want answers. We really want to get to the truth. We. We talk to the victims pretty regularly. I saw quite a few of them as recently as last week, and they have always been very clear. You need to follow the money.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

And.

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

And Les Wexner's name is one that has always been top of mind for them, because they know that is where Jeffrey Epstein amassed his wealth and how he had access to so many of the spaces and places and finances that he did.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Was the President's name brought up at all during the deposition?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

It was. There were questions about his relationship with the President. There were also questions about if he had ever been at a party or a social setting with the President and Jeffrey Epstein with underage girls or women. And if my recollection is correct, he kind of flip flopped a little. Like, he said, no, let me think about it. Then he said, well, you know, there may have been fashion shows, Victoria's Secret fashion shows that we were at together. And of course, Donald Trump was not. I mean, Victoria's Secret was Les Wexner's company. Donald Trump was not involved professionally in that regard. So he did acknowledge that possibility, but he would do so in a way where he, you know, he's 88 years old, but I think he was very with it, very capable of answering the questions, but often resorted to. I can't recall.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Was there any question that he refused to answer?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

No, no, he answered, but he was. I mean, I think he got a little defensive at certain points. Look, a lot of people have asked the question of why somebody like Les Wexner would have given so much money to Jeffrey Epstein, why he would have trusted him with hundreds of millions of dollars after many people warned him not to. And so there are many credible claims, even in the Epstein files, even in that FBI list, of a potential romantic relationship between the two of them, between Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein. We've heard this a lot from victims as well, and that question was asked, and he outright denied that as well.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Do you believe that Wexner should testify publicly in front of the committee after today's deposition?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

I believe everybody should testify publicly. I think this is of significant interest to the American people. And I think that People are really yearning for the truth and really want to see accountability. And, you know, I know some of the other folks who will be speaking and taking part in these depositions have said that as well. And I think it's the right thing to do.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Now, what's the next step here? You have the Clinton depositions next week, but what does the public need to know about kind of the next steps in your investigation?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

I would say, you know, I think the more we learn, the more questions we have. And so we're really at the beginning of the investigation, I think this was important because now we have Les Wexner on the record under oath. And so his answers can now be compared side by side with evidence that exists within the Epstein files or other evidence that comes forward. I think the next step immediately will be to continue with the depositions. I think we need more from the financial institutions. I think we need his financial records, actually, because no questions regarding his financial records and transfers of really substantial amounts of money. He would just say he doesn't remember, he doesn't know. So I think those are important. And then ultimately it's on the Department of Justice to investigate any coconspirator that's named. And if this Department of Justice is not going to do it and is going to continue to be part of this massive cover up, I think that should be priority number one for the next Democratic Department of Justice, because there is a lot in here to investigate and I think there's still so much we don't know. And as, as you know, many people around the world have been held accountable just based on what's in the files, and that's not happening here in the United States. And we need accountability.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Now. Before I let you go, a lot of folks were concerned. This was kind of behind the scenes, closed doors. Do you anticipate that this deposition transcript will be released publicly at some point?

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

For sure. I mean, it should be all of the, you know, the prior ones have been. That's up to the majority, but they have been doing that. I know they did that with the Alex Acosta interview and the Ghislaine one as short as it was. So I'm sure that will be a strong demand from our side and hopefully will happen.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Congresswoman, thanks so much and safe travels back.

[Congresswoman Yasmine Ansari]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host / Journalist]

Hey folks, thanks so much for watching. Feel free to add this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you watch for the latest breaking news and daily hits throughout the day. Make sure to follow, subscribe. See you soon for more.