This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch examine what, if anything, the Jeffrey Epstein saga reveals about the MAGA movement and its ties to conspiracy culture. They debate whether the scandal could derail President Donald Trump’s agenda or simply reinforce the need for more government transparency. The editors also weigh in on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive allegations that former President Barack Obama and his administration engaged in a “treasonous conspiracy” to discredit Trump’s 2016 victory. Then they turn to the GOP’s $9 billion Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) rescission bill and its impact on public broadcasting. Plus, a listener question prompts reflections on how the Roundtable crew really gets along behind the scenes.
00:26—Epstein conspiracies come full circle
06:13—The Epstein files and government transparency
16:52—Trump’s made-for-TV administration showing cracks
21:42—Gabbard and the treasonous conspiracy accusations
38:03—Listener question on panelist relationships
45:27—DOGE rescissions and public broadcasting cuts
56:08—The declining influence of institutional media
1:00:28—Weekly cultural recommendations
Mentioned in This Podcast
“The Case Against Ross Ulbricht Was About Government Power,” by Katherine Mangu-Ward
“Free Ross Day One,” by Nick Gillespie
“Trump, Who Wants To ‘Straighten Out the Press,’ Sues The Wall Street Journal Over ‘Fake’ Epstein Letter,” by Jacob Sullum
“Enigmas Never Age,” by Liz Wolfe
“MAGA’s Epstein Files Fight Shows the Long Tail of QAnon,” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
“The CEO of NPR Made the Best Case for Defunding It,” by Billy Binion
“The Senate Was Right To Defund NPR and PBS,” by Robby Soave
“How To Keep Your Radio Station Going When the Government’s Checks Don’t Come,” by Jesse Walker
Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing
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- Producer: Paul Alexander
- Video Editor: Ian Keyser
