The Tara Palmeri Show

Episode: Epstein Case Closed? Trump Fails to Cover Up Epstein Fury

Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Tara Palmeri
Key Guest/Interlocutor: Steve Schmidt

Overview

This episode takes a deep dive into the latest revelations and reporting around the Jeffrey Epstein case—with a focus on new connections to Donald Trump, the role of Epstein's network and possible intelligence ties, and the ongoing failures of justice. Host Tara Palmeri, an investigative journalist known for her relentless Epstein coverage, details her latest reporting, including insights from her interview with Michael Cohen and what it reveals about Trump’s proximity to the Epstein scandal. The conversation, co-steered by political strategist and commentator Steve Schmidt, explores systemic abuse of power, the mishandling of the Epstein/Maxwell prosecutions, and how these events continue to destabilize public trust in institutions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Tara Palmeri’s Background and Approach (00:41–03:17)

• Steve highlights Tara’s extensive reporting experience, particularly her deep sourcing on the Epstein story.
• Tara shares about working closely with Epstein survivors, including Virginia Giuffre, and the impact of these relationships on her perspective.
• Quote:

  "What it's about is this extraordinary abuse of power against innocence... some of the most powerful people in the country are implicated."
  — Steve Schmidt (02:30)

2. Michael Cohen Interview: Trump, Epstein, and the Katie Johnson Allegations (03:35–15:31)

• Setting the Scene: Tara explains Cohen’s recent media appearances and his consistent denials about Trump’s presence on “Epstein’s Island.” She questions the nature and rationale behind these denials.
• The Katie Johnson Case: Tara describes how Jane Doe “Katie Johnson” accused Trump of raping her as a minor at Epstein’s apartment—the case was dropped just before the 2016 election, reportedly due to intimidation.
• Tara presses Cohen, who initially issues blanket denials of ever discussing Epstein with Trump. Under pressure, he pivots and admits to deploying a private investigator to track down the Jane Doe complainant linked to Trump, referencing an “infant” (implying a very young victim).
• Quote:

  “He literally said, ‘I never talked to Trump about Epstein,’ which seemed very shocking to me...And then he admits...he sent a private investigator to find her.”
  — Tara Palmeri (08:30)

• On Retaliation and Character: Steve finds it implausible that Trump would so calmly let such an accusation slide, arguing it “doesn’t fit his personality” (12:00).
• Tara underscores the central role Cohen played in managing Trump’s crises, and highlights the “catch and kill” tactics used to suppress damaging stories.
• Newsworthy Admission:

  “He’s the guy in that moment who admits: ‘Yeah, that’s me. I send out the private investigator when someone makes this allegation against Trump.’”
  — Steve Schmidt (10:26)

3. The CIA Connection: Epstein’s Bodyguard and Intelligence Agency Ties (15:44–24:54)

• Tara reports on information from Brad Edwards, lawyer for many Epstein victims, about Epstein’s Russian bodyguard, Igor Zinoviev. Zinoviev warned Edwards about Epstein’s CIA protection.
• Tara details how Zinoviev allegedly attended classes at CIA headquarters for Epstein and later delivered materials to him while he was in custody.
• When Tara probed the CIA for confirmation, she received months of evasive responses:

  “Just give me a yes or no...Nothing. It’s been months of calls, email exchanges…”
  — Tara Palmeri (17:38)

• Epstein's History as an Informant: Evidence from Vicky Ward, Stephen Hoffenberg, and FOIA documents suggests Epstein operated as an informant, helping himself avoid prosecution.
• Tara advances the “honeypot” theory—Epstein’s leverage over powerful men came from gathering compromising material, helping grow his enigmatic fortune.

4. The Missing Motive: Epstein’s Death and Lingering Doubts (24:54–31:12)

• Steve voices skepticism about the suicide narrative, expressing what many find illogical: that someone as self-assured and “untouchable” as Epstein would end his own life after repeatedly evading justice.
• Tara, emphasizing her grounding in fact-based journalism, validates this skepticism, noting the missing surveillance video and the incongruity of Epstein’s temperament with the official story:

  “Even in his final days before his arrest, he bragged to Brad Edwards...‘You're wasting your time, like, Trump’s my boy.’”
  — Tara Palmeri (30:15)

• Julie K. Brown, who worked with Tara, and many others remain unconvinced by the official story.

5. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Sentencing and Ongoing Concerns (31:16–36:36)

• Steve observes Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security facility with amenities (“they raise puppies there”) and speculates on possible deals struck for her softer treatment.
• Tara describes Maxwell as not only an enabler but active participant, deeply trusted by survivors and thus especially betrayed. Maxwell's comparatively light conditions, she says, exemplify continued injustice:

  “So many of them [survivors] actually feel more betrayed by her than even by Epstein.”
  — Tara Palmeri (33:43)

• Tara warns that the recasting of Maxwell and “normalizing” lighter sentences only deepens survivors' pain and erodes public faith in the justice system.

6. Political Fallout: National Guard, Escalations, and Chilling Effects (37:11–38:33)

• Steve raises the possibility that the recent deployment of National Guard troops and escalations in Washington, D.C., are related to efforts to distract from or tamp down the Epstein story as it comes closer to Trump and other elites.
• Tara agrees the authorities are trying “everything” to distract or redirect, but notes they may inadvertently “normalize” extraordinary states of control.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [02:30]

  “What it's about is this extraordinary abuse of power against innocence. Right. Against kids. Some of the most famous names, some of the most powerful people in the country are implicated in this.”
  — Steve Schmidt

• [08:30]

  “He literally said, ‘I never talked to Trump about Epstein.’ Which seemed very shocking to me... And then he admits...he sent a private investigator to find her.”
  — Tara Palmeri

• [10:26]

  “He’s the guy in that moment who admits: ‘Yeah, that’s me. I send out the private investigator when someone makes this allegation against Trump.’”
  — Steve Schmidt

• [17:38]

  “Just give me a yes or no...Nothing. It’s been months of calls, email exchanges…”
  — Tara Palmeri (on CIA stonewalling about Epstein’s driver/bodyguard)

• [30:15]

  “Even in his final days before his arrest, he bragged to Brad Edwards...‘You're wasting your time, like, Trump’s my boy.’”
  — Tara Palmeri

• [33:43]

  “So many of them [survivors] actually feel more betrayed by her than even by Epstein.”
  — Tara Palmeri

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tara’s Reporting Credentials/Approach: 00:41–03:17
• Cohen Interview, Trump & Epstein, Katie Johnson Case: 03:35–15:31
• Epstein’s Intelligence Connections: 15:44–24:54
• Epstein’s Death—Suicide or Cover-Up?: 24:54–31:12
• Ghislaine Maxwell’s Prison Stay & Fallout: 31:16–36:36
• National Guard/Political Escalations: 37:11–38:33
• Final Reflections and Closing: 38:33–end

Tone and Language

The conversation remains fact-driven, skeptical, and probing—grounded in journalism but not shy about expressing frustration with institutional failures or injustice. Tara is careful to distinguish facts from speculation, often reminding listeners that her work is based on firsthand reporting and direct interviews.

Conclusion

This episode offers a rigorous, inside look at how the Epstein case—and the enabling behavior of elite power brokers—continues to reverberate through national politics and public discourse. With new revelations from the Michael Cohen interview, the shadowy role of intelligence agencies, and continued lenience toward figures like Ghislaine Maxwell, Tara Palmeri drives home the enduring stakes for justice, accountability, and public trust. The story, she makes clear, is far from over.