Verdict with Ted Cruz: Epstein, Trump & WSJ-MAGA Battle Explodes, plus Congress Defunds NPR & PBS and Stephen Colbert Canceled Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Jamie Rubin delve into a multifaceted discussion encompassing the Epstein controversy, media battles involving former President Donald Trump, significant legislative victories in Congress, and the surprising cancellation of Stephen Colbert's iconic show. The conversation is marked by in-depth analysis, passionate opinions, and strategic insights into the current political landscape.

1. The Epstein Files and Media Scrutiny

The episode opens with Cruz addressing the resurgence of interest in the Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting the media's intensified focus on former President Donald Trump.

Jamie Rubin (02:41):
"The media is just going after Donald Trump. The left is now caring about Epstein. They never did before. They're trying to attack Trump, saying he's trying to hide something."

Cruz echoes Rubin's sentiments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability:

Ted Cruz (05:26):
"I want transparency. I want to make sure that the people that were involved are held accountable."

Rubin outlines four key principles to navigate the Epstein saga:

1. Transparency: Advocating for the release of all pertinent information.
2. Protecting the Victims: Ensuring the privacy and dignity of abuse victims.
3. Comprehensive Disclosure: Encouraging the public release of all relevant files.
4. Prosecution of Predators: Demanding legal action against those who committed crimes.

Rubin criticizes the Wall Street Journal's recent report insinuating Trump's involvement with Epstein, presenting it as a "fake news" attempt to tarnish Trump's reputation.

Jamie Rubin (10:36):
"President Trump is punching back hard. He says it is fake. He says it is false. He says he's going to sue the Wall Street Journal."

Cruz adds context to the legal battle, comparing it to past instances where Trump successfully challenged media narratives.

2. Defunding NPR and PBS: A Major Conservative Victory

The conversation shifts to a landmark legislative achievement: the Senate's vote to defund public broadcasting networks NPR and PBS.

Jamie Rubin (20:34):
"The Senate voted and we voted to defund NPR and PBS. Now as a conservative, I have been fighting to defund NPR and PBS as long as I can remember."

Rubin recounts the intense battle on the Senate floor, highlighting the late-night sessions and the narrow margin by which the defunding passed.

John Kennedy (23:26):
"Public broadcasting has long been overtaken by partisan activists. NPR and PBS have revealed their left-wing bias time and time again."

He cites specific examples of NPR and PBS publishing content that he argues demonstrates a liberal bias, reinforcing the rationale behind defunding.

Ted Cruz (22:41):
"We're no longer in the business of just completely abusing your tax dollars and actually using your tax dollars to go for political purposes."

The hosts celebrate this legislative win as a significant step towards reducing government expenditure on what they perceive as biased media outlets, advocating instead for taxpayer funds to support unbiased journalism.

3. The Cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s Show

A surprising development in the media world is the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's long-running show, which Cruz and Rubin interpret as a backlash against overt political partisanship.

Ted Cruz (29:11):
"Stephen Colbert is a vicious, dishonest, partisan leftist. He is utterly consumed with Trump derangement syndrome."

Rubin shares his personal disappointment, noting the decline of balanced late-night comedy:

Jamie Rubin (31:00):
"None of the late night shows have Republicans on anymore. They don't invite anyone... Colbert just got angry. He's just like, I want to prove you are evil."

He contrasts Colbert's confrontational style with past hosts who maintained a more balanced approach to comedy, emphasizing the loss of humor that bridges political divides.

Rubin also critiques Colbert's recent content, describing it as "vicious and nasty," and highlights his own efforts to maintain a sense of humor in political discourse.

4. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Cruz and Rubin conclude the episode by reiterating their commitment to transparency, conservative values, and combating what they view as media bias. They encourage listeners to stay informed and remain steadfast in their political endeavors.

Ted Cruz (38:17):
"Don't forget we do this podcast, this show, I should say as a podcast, three days a week. So make sure you subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz wherever you get your podcasts."

The episode underscores the ongoing battles within the political and media spheres, portraying them as pivotal moments in shaping America's future.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Rubin (02:41):
  "The media is just going after Donald Trump. The left is now caring about Epstein."

• Ted Cruz (05:26):
  "I want transparency. I want to make sure that the people that were involved are held accountable."

• Jamie Rubin (10:36):
  "President Trump is punching back hard. He says it is fake. He says it is false."

• Jamie Rubin (20:34):
  "The Senate voted and we voted to defund NPR and PBS."

• Ted Cruz (22:41):
  "We're no longer in the business of just completely abusing your tax dollars."

• Ted Cruz (29:11):
  "Stephen Colbert is a vicious, dishonest, partisan leftist."

• Jamie Rubin (31:00):
  "None of the late night shows have Republicans on anymore."

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of pressing political issues, framed through a conservative lens. Cruz and Rubin effectively blend current events with personal insights, offering a narrative that advocates for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and balanced media representation.