The Tara Palmeri Show
Episode: I Made My Own Epstein Subpoena List — And It’s Explosive
Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest(s): Epstein expert/journalist (name occasionally unspecified), Secondary host/interviewer (unspecified)
Overview
In this hard-hitting episode, renowned investigative journalist Tara Palmeri pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of power by revealing her personal “subpoena list” of figures she believes should publicly testify in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigations. Prompted by a question from MSNBC’s Antonia Hylton, Tara spends an insomniac night compiling the explosive list, providing commentary and rationale for each name. She also explores how the Epstein scandal continues to shape the political narrative at the highest levels, especially surrounding the Trump administration, and bemoans America’s reluctance to confront the intelligence and leverage angles of the case.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Genesis of Tara’s Epstein Subpoena List
[00:29 – 02:50]
- Tara recalls being asked on national television who she would subpoena for congressional Epstein hearings.
- The question sparked a night of reflection, leading Tara to list those central to unraveling the Epstein web.
- “I want to go through it with you. And of course, I want to hear who you think should be called, because I know you're reading the files, too…” (Tara Palmeri, 01:10)
2. Headliners of Tara’s Explosive Testimony List
[02:50 – 10:30]
Tara methodically unveils her dream team of witnesses, explaining why each individual’s testimony is crucial.
Political Power Players and Intelligence Links
- Ehud Barak: Former Israeli PM, stayed at Epstein’s condo; accused by Virginia Giuffre of sexual abuse; potential intelligence ties.
- “We gotta know about that. And whether Jeffrey Epstein had any connections with Israel or was passing off any intelligence to Ehud Barak.” (Tara, 00:54)
- Maxwell Brothers (Ian and Kevin): To address familial and intelligence agency ties via their father, Robert Maxwell.
Financial Enablers
- Les Wexner: Lingerie billionaire, heavily funded Epstein, accused by Giuffre—why did Wexner affiliate so closely post-conviction?
- “Why did Les Wexner give Jeffrey Epstein so much money? He was a huge source of his wealth, especially in the beginning.” (Tara, 12:35)
- Heads of the FBI, CIA (notably Bill Burns): To explain governmental proximity to Epstein.
- Leon Black: Top financier, pivotal in Epstein’s financial machinery.
Elite Social and Celebrity Circle
- Adam Perry Lang: Celebrity chef, frequent presence at Epstein’s ranch, close to both victims and powerful guests.
- Elon Musk: Allegedly sought access to Epstein’s island for parties.
Others Named
- Dr. Peter Attia, Prince Andrew, Dr. Oz, Larry Summers, Michael Cohen (Trump’s former fixer), Trump & Melania, Paolo Zampoli, and more.
- High-profile journalists like Michael Wolff, Steve Bannon, and Thomas Landon for their troubling proximity and counsel to Epstein.
- “I would never normally say that because I just don’t consider these people to be actual journalists, considering they were actually giving Jeffrey Epstein image advice…” (Tara, 09:43)
Intelligence and Blackmail Angle
- Tara references open questions about Epstein’s intelligence ties: “There is an email from his lawyers… asking for affiliation, signs of affiliation with Jeffrey Epstein and the CIA and the NSA... And they respond with a glomar response, which is a We can’t confirm or deny it... they don’t say no.” (Guest, 17:32)
3. The Continuing Influence of Epstein on US Politics
[10:30 – 19:21]
- Tara discusses her Vanity Fair piece, “How Jeffrey Epstein's Ghost is Calling All the Shots in the Trump White House,” positing that the lingering Epstein narrative haunts Trump’s presidency.
- Describes Trump’s habitual deflection: “All he can say is, ‘I’ve been totally exonerated. Exonerated. Exonerated.’ Nothing about the victims, nothing about justice, nothing about following through on this.” (Tara, 08:10)
- Suggests that, in death, Epstein has outmaneuvered Trump, as efforts to shift news cycles fail when the story resurfaces.
4. Deep Dives on Key Figures — Interview Segment
[12:04 – 19:21]
Les Wexner Under the Microscope
- Guest notes Wexner’s integral role in both financing Epstein and facilitating his rise.
- “He is so integral to the Epstein story. If you want to follow the money, you have to go through Les Wexner.” (Guest, 13:41)
Accountability and the Need for Public Hearings
- Names Alan Dershowitz (Epstein’s lawyer), Jess Staley (JP Morgan banker), and other society/family figures.
- Suggests bringing forward influential figures from academia and banking due to ties with Epstein (Bill Gates, Dubin family, etc.).
- “Literally for days. People coming in to sit down and talk about their longstanding relationships with Jeffrey Epstein…” (Guest, 15:55)
The Intelligence and Leverage Thread
- Discussion about why American institutions are less willing to confront possible intelligence agency affiliations compared to other governments.
- “He trafficked in blackmail and information. He had a powerful network. He could open up doors. He could do so many things.” (Guest, 18:50)
5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The Jeffrey Epstein story says exoneration [to Trump], not thousands and thousands of mentions and questions about why 2.5 million documents are being withheld that we know of for national security reasons.” (Tara Palmeri, 08:20)
- “We’re not even sure we’re that far from the beginning.” (Interviewer, 19:07) “No, we’re not.” (Guest, 19:21)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:29 – Tara introduces Chris Hayes/Antonia Hylton’s question on the “Epstein subpoena list”
- 01:10 – Tara explains her approach to compiling the list
- 02:50-10:30 – Breakdown of the proposed witness list, with context and rationale for each
- 08:00 – Insight into Trump’s attempts to squash the Epstein narrative
- 10:30-12:04 – The Vanity Fair article and broader Epstein legacy in politics
- 12:04-14:11 – Deep dive on Les Wexner and why his testimony is vital
- 14:55 – Discussion expands to include Leon Black, Dubin family, media figures
- 16:50 – Reflection on the deeper dimensions of the Epstein saga: leverage, intelligence
- 17:32 – NSA/CIA “Glomar response” to Epstein lawyer inquiries
- 18:10-18:52 – The case for calling Bill Burns (CIA), exploring national security ties
- 19:07 – Closing reflections on how early we remain in uncovering the full story
Tone & Language
- Tara is pointed, candid, and unflinching—often acerbic about figures who aided or protected Epstein.
- Language is direct, sometimes biting: “Disgusting. Ugh. Gross.” (re: Dr. Peter Attia, 07:22)
- There's an undercurrent of frustration at institutional complacency or complicity.
- The conversation is brisk, densely packed with names, and ambitious in scope.
Conclusion
This episode showcases Tara Palmeri’s fearless approach to investigative journalism, providing both a unique “subpoena list” and trenchant cultural analysis. By threading together personal experience, primary reporting, and political insight, she pushes for transparency from all corners of the Epstein orbit—financial, political, and social. The message is clear: until every party with intimate Epstein knowledge is held to account, the story remains unfinished.