What A Day – "Epstein Files Cause Ripples Across The Pond"
February 10, 2026 | Host: Jane Coaston | Guest: Coco Kahn

Episode Overview

This episode examines the growing political fallout in the UK from the release of the "Epstein files," focusing on prominent figures’ connections to Jeffrey Epstein, contrasted with how similar scandals are addressed (or not) in the United States. Host Jane Coaston speaks with Coco Kahn, co-host of Pod Save the UK, about why the UK is seeing more tangible repercussions while U.S. politicians and officials continue to evade meaningful accountability. The episode also touches on recent developments in the Epstein saga, the impact on the British Royal Family, shifting public sentiment, and the larger consequences for progressive politics and political trust on both sides of the Atlantic. Additional news includes Vice President J.D. Vance’s diplomatic trip to Armenia, ICE enforcement data, and Steve Bannon’s links to Epstein.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Latest on the Epstein Files & Ghislaine Maxwell’s Testimony

(00:03–02:28)

• Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted sex trafficker, was on the docket to testify before the House Oversight Committee but invoked the Fifth Amendment.
  • Her lawyer issued a statement: Maxwell would only speak if granted clemency, insisting, "only she can provide the complete account." (01:08)
• Frustration grows over the lack of answers and justice for survivors in the U.S.

Notable Quote:

“She will only give you the truth once she’s granted clemency. For example, a pardon for sex trafficking. Seems like she really feels bad about what she did.” – Jane Coaston (01:23)

2. The UK’s Political Reckoning & Mandelson’s Fall

(02:28–09:24)

• The Starmer–Mandelson Connection: PM Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson, despite knowing of Epstein ties, based on Mandelson's "experience and reputation" from the Blair years.
  • Mandelson, called the "Prince of Darkness," had minimized the extent of his relationship with Epstein.
  • New evidence of personal emails and insider information shared with Epstein during the financial crisis surfaced.
• Public & Political Reaction:
  • The scandal has rocked Labour, as Mandelson was fired in September after his closeness to Epstein was revealed (including being called “best pal” in a birthday book for Epstein).
  • There’s now significant pressure on Starmer, who has apologized to victims but will not step down.
  • The Labour Party faces heightened scrutiny given its progressive stance.

Notable Quote:

“The fact that I heard Prince of Darkness and I’m like, unless you’re Ozzy Osbourne, that’s not good at all.” – Jane Coaston (05:29)
“If he had his own ideology and his own belief system, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.” – Coco Kahn (05:47)
“In this latest drop, not only is there a horrible picture of Peter Manderson in his pants...” – Coco Kahn (06:16)

• UK vs. US Fallout:
  • While U.S. officials with Epstein ties face only minimal blowback, British officials are under fierce pressure.
  • Coco Kahn attributes this to the British tendency "to think we’re not like the Americans" and Labour’s higher standards as a progressive party.

Notable Quote:

"The issue of being a progressive, you are always held to a higher standard and you should be." – Coco Kahn (08:10)

3. The Royal Family’s Involvement

(09:24–11:30)

• Prince Andrew: Facing investigations into allegedly sending trade reports to Epstein.
  • King Charles III has pledged to support police investigations but is criticized for being slow to do so.
  • Charles is reportedly keeping Andrew in seclusion "for his own mental safety."
  • There are public calls for King Charles to abdicate, though Kahn doubts Prince William could offer "radical, inspiring leadership" in his place.

Notable Quote:

“Not only has [King Charles] come out saying he will support any investigations... but physically, he has said that he is going to keep Andrew on some grounds ... because he’s, you know, a mess and a liability.” – Coco Kahn (10:18)

4. Broader Political Consequences & Public Disillusionment

(11:30–13:28)

• The Epstein scandal has hardened feelings of political cynicism in the UK, with growing sentiment that “all parties are the same.”
• Fears expressed about the potential rise of far-right figures like Nigel Farage, as the erosion of trust in mainstream parties creates openings for demagogues.

Notable Quote:

“Fundamentally it was an international boys club, a rich people’s boys club... willing to put that network before country.” – Coco Kahn (12:16)

5. Other Headlines & News Segments

Vice President J.D. Vance Visits Armenia

(17:05–17:49)

• J.D. Vance (Vice President) becomes the first sitting U.S. VP to visit Armenia, aiming to broker peace with Azerbaijan.
• The visit signals U.S. support and plans for infrastructure investment.

Notable Quote:

“Peace is not made by cautious people. Peace is not made by people who are too focused on the past. Peace is made by people who are focused on the future.” – J.D. Vance (17:10)

ICE Enforcement Reality Check

(18:49–19:54)

• Despite DHS claims of targeting the "worst of the worst," CBS News reveals that only 14% of ICE arrests involve violent criminals.
• 40% of those arrested had no criminal record at all.

Notable Quote:

“Because, of course, they don’t.” – Jane Coaston, on noncriminal ICE arrests (19:37)

Steve Bannon’s Epstein Collaboration

(21:13–21:31)

• DOJ documents reveal Epstein’s deep involvement in Bannon’s global populist schemes, including plans for a pro-Epstein documentary and strategic advice exchanges.
• Reflects the hypocrisy of Bannon’s self-styled “populism.”

Notable Quote:

“When it came down to it, Bannon didn’t want to fight the elites. He wanted to manipulate them with the help of a convicted sex offender.” – Jane Coaston (22:38)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “Rawr.” – Jane Coaston’s humorous aside on Dinocon’s ban of Epstein associates (00:09)
• “The real Slim Shady or the real Keir Starmer? God, I'm really showing my age now, aren't I, Will?” – Coco Kahn (04:34)
• “Our entire GDP is Tom Hardy and maybe Tom Hiddleston.” – Coco Kahn (08:56)
• “We're all going around with like knives in our pocket, but we say it in Shakespearean language so we think it's okay.” – Coco Kahn, on British politics (11:58)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:03 – Introduction & Maxwell’s refusal to testify
• 02:28 – Overview of Epstein’s UK impact & Peter Mandelson’s role
• 04:23 – How Mandelson became Starmer’s confidant
• 05:53 – Mandelson’s firing and public fallout
• 06:46 – Leaked emails and allegations of insider info to Epstein
• 09:24 – The Royal Family’s involvement and shifting public opinion
• 11:30 – Broader political cynicism and fear of far-right gains
• 17:05 – Vice President J.D. Vance in Armenia
• 18:49 – ICE arrest rates; fact-checking DHS claims
• 21:13 – Steve Bannon–Epstein relationship revelations

Takeaways

• The UK is experiencing rare political accountability over Epstein-linked scandals, with careers and potentially the government at stake.
• In contrast, U.S. officials with Epstein connections face less severe consequences, sparking frustration.
• Widening distrust in established parties may have unpredictable, troubling consequences, especially the potential empowerment of far-right figures.
• New revelations continue to erode the public’s faith in political and business elites on both sides of the Atlantic.

Closing Remark

If you enjoyed Coco Kahn’s analysis, check out Pod Save the UK for more UK-focused political coverage. For more episodes of What A Day, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.