A Wednesday night gathering at Vice President JD Vance’s residence aimed to bring together Trump officials to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, four sources told CNN. However, the meeting was moved or rescheduled amid media scrutiny. Vance denied that any Epstein strategy meeting was ever planned.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were expected to attend, according to NBC News.
President Donald Trump’s Justice Department has been given until 12 p.m. ET on Friday to address privacy concerns raised by Epstein victims and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, about the possible release of grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the sex trafficking investigation.
Officials are also reportedly considering whether to release a recording of Maxwell’s interview with Blanche, in which the Epstein co-conspirator reportedly said she never saw Trump do anything concerning with the late financier. Conspiracy theories continue to circulate as the disgraced socialite has since been moved to a low-security prison camp.
CNN reported that officials are considering asking podcaster Joe Rogan to help ease the uproar over the Epstein files with an interview. He has been very critical of the administration’s handling of the information.
What you need to know...
- JD Vance hosted meeting to discuss Epstein fallout back on, report says
- Watch: Vance denies meeting is about Epstein files scandal, which Trump call 'bulls***' and 'hoax'
- Trump admin considering asking Joe Rogan to help diffuse Epstein files furore, report says
- Ghislaine Maxwell told DOJ she never saw Trump do anything of concern with Epstein
- Trump team weighs releasing Ghislaine Maxwell’s interview with DOJ officials, report says
- Tulsi Gabbard asked directly if Epstein was an 'intelligence asset'
Trump shares thoughts on economy, trade, Texas and running again
Tuesday 5 August 2025 14:33 , Oliver O'ConnellGood morning and welcome to our ongoing coverage of the latest news from the Trump White House and beyond.
President Donald Trump started his day with a phone interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, where he stated he would like to run for president again, highlighting his “record” numbers in the 2024 Texas election, and dismissing polling showing his approval rating in the 30s as “fake."
Focused mainly on the economy and trade, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on India, considered taking additional action against the European Union if promised investments did not materialize, and floated a 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals to boost domestic manufacturing.
Trump also hinted at potential candidates for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and defended mid-decade redistricting plans in Texas that would give the Republican Party five more seats in Congress.
We’ll be covering these topics and more throughout the day.
Trump considering 'Kevin and Kevin' to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Tuesday 5 August 2025 14:37 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is considering four individuals to replace Jerome Powell as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Leading contenders include his current economics director, Kevin Hassett, and former Fed governor Kevin Warsh.
Speaking on CNBC on Tuesday morning, Trump stated: “I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins are very good.”
Two other candidates are also under review. Current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not among them, as he wishes to remain in his current role.
The president confirmed a decision would be made “soon”, adding: “It’ll be one of four people.”
Trump says he hired Fed chair Powell as a ‘favor’ after CNBC host presses him on labor bureau firing
Tuesday 5 August 2025 14:43 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump defended some of his more controversial recent decisions, such as firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while distancing himself from past choices he’s grown unhappy with, such as hiring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in a lengthy interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning.
Phoning in to Squawk Box, Trump spoke at length about his economic record nearly seven months into his second term – maintaining that several members of his administration, whom Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with, were “highly political.”
Ariana Baio reports.
Report: Trump to sign order punishing banks that discriminate against conservatives
Tuesday 5 August 2025 14:50 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is set to crack down on Wall Street banks accused of dropping customers over their conservative beliefs and shutting out cryptocurrency companies, a new report states.
Trump, the self-professed first “crypto-president,” is expected to sign an executive order as soon as this week that threatens financial penalties in response to so-called politically motivated “debanking,” sources told the Wall Street Journal.
James Liddell reports.
Trump to sign order punishing banks that discriminate against conservatives: report
Trump threatens further tariff action as new import taxes set to kick in
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:00 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has issued new tariff threats against the European Union, India, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Trump outlined aggressive tariff reprisals, threatening the European Union with a 35 percent levy and indicating a substantial increase in duties on Indian goods, citing their purchase of Russian oil.
Speaking on CNBC, Trump stated that 35 per cent tariffs would apply to the European Union if they failed to deliver on promised investments in U.S. goods. He claimed the EU was paying $600 billion, adding “We’re a rich country again,” and that the investment could go in “anything I want.”
He also indicated imported pharmaceutical drugs could eventually face tariffs as high as 200 percent, stating: “We want pharmaceuticals made in our country.”
He explained that these would be increased to 150 or 200 percent over 18 months. Tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips are also expected.
Higher tariffs could also be imposed on India, Trump revealed. Last week, the US announced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional import tax due to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
“I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours because they’re buying Russian oil, they’re fueling the war machine,” Trump said on Tuesday. “And if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.”
These tariff threats are part of a broader recent surge in trade activity, including actions on Brazil, copper, low-value goods, and reduced taxes on South Korean imports.
With reporting from the AP
Trump claims prices are falling, but that's not the experience of most Americans
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:16 , Oliver O'ConnellDuring his CNBC interview, President Donald Trump hailed prices falling for “everything” except stocks.
“We were in such bad shape when I took over, eggs had tripled in price. More than that, everything was up, and prices are down,” he said.
However, as Erin Keller reports, more than half of Americans are experiencing financial strain due to the rising cost of groceries.
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Trump praises CNN pollster for calling him 'most inflential'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:20 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump praised CNN’s data analyst Harry Enten for calling him the “most influential president this century,” telling viewers of CNBC during an interview this morning to “watch Harry Emten [sic] on CNN.”
Here’s Rachel Dobkin’s report on what Enten said:
India hits back at Trump tariff threat over Russian oil imports
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:30 , Oliver O'ConnellIndia's ruling party and main opposition have united in condemnation of President Donald Trump's threat to escalate tariffs on Indian goods, a move linked to the nation's continued purchases of Russian oil. The political consensus appears to be emerging as a trade rift with Washington deepens.
The latest warning follows Trump's July announcement of a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, with U.S. officials citing a range of geopolitical issues that hinder a trade accord between the two nations.
Manish Tewari, a Member of Parliament and leader of the opposition Congress, asserted that Trump's “disparaging remarks hurt the dignity and self-respect of Indians,” adding: “The time has come to call out this constant bullying and hectoring.” Echoing this sentiment, BJP Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda quoted Henry Kissinger on X, stating: “To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.”
India's Foreign Ministry has hit back, accusing Washington of unfairly singling out the country over its Russian oil imports, while highlighting ongoing trade between Moscow and both the United States and the European Union despite the conflict in Ukraine. In a statement issued late on Monday, the ministry declared: “It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia,” adding, “It is unjustified to single out India.”
The ministry cited that the EU conducted 67.5 billion euros ($78.02 billion) in trade with Russia in 2024, including record imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) reaching 16.5 million metric tons. The statement also noted that the U.S. continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear power industry, alongside palladium, fertilisers, and chemicals, though it did not specify the source for this export information.
The U.S. embassy and the EU's delegation in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Both the U.S. and the EU have significantly scaled back their trade ties with Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2021, Russia was the EU's fifth-largest trading partner, with a goods exchange value of 258 billion euros, according to the European Commission.
With reporting from Reuters
Watch: Trump teases taxes on imported pharmaceuticals
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:40 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump: "We'll be putting an initially small tariffs on pharmaceuticals. But in one year, one in a half years maximum, it's gonna go to 150% and then it's gonna go to 250%, because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country." pic.twitter.com/YhkogWQXy4
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025
As Trump rages at 'fake' polls, here's some of his recent approval ratings...
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:42 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has, predictably, said that recent polling showing his approval rating at near all-time lows is “fake.”
Here’s Rachel Dobkin’s report on recent Gallup polling that shows him with a 37 percent approval rating:
Trump’s approval tanks amid Epstein fallout - less than 30% of independent’s approve
And here’s Graig Graziosi with the latest Reuters/Ipsos numbers putting his approval rating at 40 percent:
Trump’s approval rating sinks to 40%, the lowest of his term, new poll finds
Epstein Files: Bill and Hillary Clinton dates set for House probe on Ghislaine Maxwell ties
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:49 , Oliver O'ConnellFormer President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, will testify before the House Oversight Committee in October as the panel probes the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the committee said on Tuesday.
Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the committee, tweeted a list of testimony dates for upcoming witnesses who have been compelled to appear by subpoena.
John Bowden has the latest from Washington, D.C.
Bill and Hillary Clinton dates set for House probe on Ghislaine Maxwell ties
Report: Trump team weighs releasing Ghislaine Maxwell’s interview with DOJ officials over Epstein case
Tuesday 5 August 2025 15:55 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Trump administration is considering publicly releasing an audio recording of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell and senior officials from the Department of Justice about Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new report.
It was not previously known that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether or not to release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Mike Bedigan reports.
Trump weighs releasing Ghislaine Maxwell’s Epstein interview with DOJ: report
Trump seen scoping out White House grounds from roof
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:02 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has been spotted surveying the White House grounds from the roof of the West Wing.
He appeared to be taking stock of several areas, including the roof of the press briefing room and the Rose Garden.
Wearing a suit with a red tie, Trump walked the area Tuesday with several other people, as someone with them took photographs.
Trump may have been surveying ongoing renovation and construction work at the White House. He returned to the presidency with grand ideas for remaking the building, such as paving over the Rose Garden and constructing a massive ballroom.
Happening now: President Trump is on the roof of the press briefing room / West Wing pic.twitter.com/YUEmprcEP6
— Mark Meredith (@markpmeredith) August 5, 2025
Trump and Zelensky discussed Russia sanctions
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:05 , Oliver O'ConnellUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that he recently discussed severe sanctions on Russia with President Donald Trump, which Trump has threatened to announce on Friday.
Such a move, Zelensky said on social media, “can change a lot” in the war. The discussions precede a U.S. deadline for Russia to halt its three-year invasion of Ukraine.
He also noted Ukraine and the U.S. are working on bilateral drone production, thanking Trump for his peace efforts.
A productive conversation with President Trump, with the key focus of course being ending the war. We are grateful to @POTUS for all efforts toward a just and lasting peace. It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this. Many months could… pic.twitter.com/2doL7xsGkG
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 5, 2025
Trump dismisses Labor statistics as 'highly political'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:08 , Oliver O'ConnellTrump 'taking a little walk' on roof of West Wing
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:13 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump made an unusual appearance on the White House roof, briefly interacting with reporters below.
"Sir, why are you are on the roof?"
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) August 5, 2025
"Mr. President, what are you doing up there?"
"Come down and talk to us!"
"What are you building?"
"Are you considering more renovations, sir?"
"Are you going to building up there?"
"Add another level?"
- White House press corps to Pres. Trump pic.twitter.com/UvDdstF3dx
Asked about his presence, Trump said he was “taking a little walk” and mentioned the “ballroom on the other side.”
The White House announced last month that construction on a $200 million ballroom will begin in September, marking the first structural change since the Truman balcony was installed in 1948. One of the five men with him appeared to be James McCrery, architect for the project.
“Just another way to spend my money for this country,” Trump said. “Anything I do is financed by me.”
Here’s Andrew Feinberg’s report on the new ballroom:
Trump reveals $200 million golden ballroom in ‘modernized’ White House East Wing
Swiss president flies into Washington to avoid tariff hike
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:27 , Oliver O'ConnellSwiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Business Minister Guy Parmelin have flown to Washington in a last-ditch effort to avert punitive 39 percent tariffs imposed by the U.S. The steep duties, announced by President Donald Trump, have sent shockwaves through Switzerland, with the higher rate set to take effect this Thursday.
The tariffs, which were increased from an initial 31 percent rate announced in April, were revealed on Friday, prompting a swift response from Bern. The Swiss government described the visit as an attempt to “facilitate meetings with the U.S. authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland.” However, it did not specify which U.S. officials the delegation would meet, nor whether a direct meeting with President Trump was scheduled.
A source familiar with the Trump administration's thinking indicated confidence that a resolution could be found if Switzerland presented a “meaningful offer.” The source alluded to a “bad interaction” during a phone call between President Trump and Keller-Sutter last Thursday evening, adding: “There was some kind of bad interaction, but that can blow over, if the Swiss come with a meaningful offer.” The individual also highlighted the significant trade imbalance, stating: “It is a large trade deficit, especially in per capita terms.”
President Trump himself addressed the conversation with Keller-Sutter during his interview with CNBC this morning, reiterating his concerns over the U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland.
“Look, I did something with Switzerland the other day,” he told the broadcaster, referring to their call. “The woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen, and they paid essentially no tariffs.” He continued: “And I said, we have a $41 billion deficit with you, madam... and you want to pay 1% tariffs. I said, you're not going to pay 1%, we lose, because I view deficit as loss.”
With reporting from Reuters
DOJ: No new information in Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:40 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Justice Department has admitted that grand jury transcripts in the criminal cases of Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell contain mostly publicly available information.
The Trump administration has been firefighting the fallout from the so-called “Epstein Files” since the DOJ released a memo last month that contained little new information and concluded no further investigation was warranted into the late sex offender’s alleged trafficking scheme.
Since the uproar, which has included Republican lawmakers and many from his MAGA base, President Donald Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public “any and all pertinent” grand jury transcripts in the Epstein and Maxwell criminal cases. Experts say these documents only account for a small fraction of the files related to the investigations.
Kelly Rissman reports.
No new information in Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts, Pam Bondi says
Murdoch to give Trump health updates to delay Epstein defamation deposition
Tuesday 5 August 2025 16:51 , Oliver O'ConnellConservative media baron Rupert Murdoch will give President Donald Trump regular updates on his health as part of an agreement to postpone Murdoch’s deposition in Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against him over a Wall Street Journal article about late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
CNBC reports that the unusual stipulation comes a week after Trump’s lawyers sought a quick deposition in the case. Their filing in Miami federal court implied that Murdoch might be either dead or too sick to testify in person by the time the case went to trial.
“Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York,” Trump’s lawyers said in their filing last week.
Democrats reach breaking point over Republican threats in political map arms race
Tuesday 5 August 2025 17:05 , Oliver O'ConnellAlex Woodward writes:
Democrats have spent years issuing warnings over Republican threats to redraw the political maps that could determine the balance of power for years to come. Now, they’re prepared for “war.”
After protracted legal battles to unwind Donald Trump’s executive actions and unsuccessful attempts to derail the president’s agenda in Congress, Democrats appear to have reached a breaking point and are ready to do some map-making of their own, reluctantly preparing to fight fire with fire.
Continue reading...
Democrats ready for ‘war’ in political map arms race with Republicans
Trump wonders if ‘low IQ’ foe Jasmine Crockett ‘is any relationship to the late, great Davy'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 17:24 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump tore down the Democratic Party during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning and targeted his frequent political foe, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, deriding her as an example of one of their “low IQ” members.
In a long-winded, and occasionally rambling, interview with Squawk Box, the president lashed out at the opposing political party for being “lost” and “self-destructing.”
Ariana Baio has the story.
Trump rips ‘lost’ Democrats and calls foe Jasmine Crockett ‘low IQ’
Full story: Trump grabs birdseye view to survey $200M White House ballroom plans
Tuesday 5 August 2025 17:43 , Oliver O'ConnellRight smack dab in the middle of Washington, Donald Trump has found a place that’s trouble-proof.
The 47th president on Tuesday climbed way up to the top of the stairs for an unannounced visit to the roof of the White House briefing room so he could survey the site of the massive ballroom addition, which he announced last week.
Andrew Feinberg was at the White House.
‘Sir, why are you on the roof?’ Trump surveys $200M White House ballroom plans
Democrats rallying to make Texas redistricting fight national
Tuesday 5 August 2025 17:50 , Oliver O'ConnellNational Democrats are closing ranks behind Texas state lawmakers who left the state to prevent Republicans from enacting a gerrymandered congressional map, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s wishes for the 2026 midterms.
From Illinois, Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin promised the party is “bringing a knife to a knife fight.” He warned the GOP plan is “a test case for the rest of the country” and a “model for other red states to lie, cheat, and steal away to victory.”
California officials are considering their own efforts to further tilt their U.S. House delegation toward Democrats, in response to Texas.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Donald Trump’s push in Texas is “not democracy — that’s not America.” He mocked Texas leaders for doing Trump’s bidding. “When Donald Trump calls, they say, ‘Yes, sir, right away,’” Pritzker said of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who’s running for the Senate in 2026.
With reporting from the AP
Democrats mock Trump's roof walkabout
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:08 , Oliver O'ConnellDoing literally anything except releasing the Epstein files https://t.co/x5WM0DPbVq
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) August 5, 2025
Trump says he hired Fed chair Powell as a ‘favor’ after CNBC host presses him on labor bureau firing
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:21 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump defended some of his more controversial recent decisions, such as firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while distancing himself from past choices he’s grown unhappy with, such as hiring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in a lengthy interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning.
Phoning in to Squawk Box, Trump spoke at length about his economic record nearly seven months into his second term – maintaining that several members of his administration, whom Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with, were “highly political.”
Ariana Baio reports.
DNC chair: 'Ready to fight fire with fire'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:25 , Oliver O'ConnellReady to fight fire with fire.
— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) August 5, 2025
I'm in Illinois with my friend @JBPritzker to stand with Texas Democrats as they lead the fight to protect their state from gerrymandering. pic.twitter.com/pbNWdw3U6m
Ghislaine Maxwell opposes unsealing grand jury transcripts
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:29 , Oliver O'ConnellJeffrey Epstein’s accomplice and former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, has said via her legal team that she is against the unsealing of the grand jury transcripts relating to her case, as requested by President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice.
Maxwell argues that because she hasn’t seen them and is “actively litigating her case,” it shouldn’t be made public.
In her filing with the court, her team writes: “Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not. Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain.”
Earlier, the Justice Department admitted that grand jury transcripts in the criminal cases of Epstein and Maxwell contain mostly publicly available information, as Kelly Rissman reported:
No new information in Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts, Pam Bondi says
Report: Trump to sign order punishing banks that discriminate against conservatives
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:40 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is set to crack down on Wall Street banks accused of dropping customers over their conservative beliefs and shutting out cryptocurrency companies, a new report states.
Trump, the self-professed first “crypto-president,” is expected to sign an executive order as soon as this week that threatens financial penalties in response to so-called politically motivated “debanking,” sources told the Wall Street Journal.
James Liddell reports.
Trump to sign order punishing banks that discriminate against conservatives: report
Trump admin to drop Elon Musk's 'five things' email, report says
Tuesday 5 August 2025 18:51 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump’s administration is reportedly set to formally scrap a controversial program, championed by his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, which required federal employees to summarize five weekly workplace achievements. The move, expected as soon as Tuesday, was reported by Reuters, citing two individuals familiar with the matter.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal human resources agency that had implemented Musk's drive to reduce the federal workforce, is expected to announce the termination of the “five things” email to HR representatives across the federal government later today. The sources declined to be named as the information was not yet public.
Although many federal agencies had already begun phasing out compliance with the weekly email, this unannounced decision signals the Trump administration is moving past one of Musk's most unpopular initiatives, especially following a dramatic falling out between the two men in early June.
Neither the White House nor OPM immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
EXPLAINED: Lawmakers are fighting over election maps — here’s how it works and why it’s bigger than Texas
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:00 , Oliver O'ConnellAlex Woodward writes:
A brewing war in Texas over political boundaries that could reshape control of Congress is spilling out into other states, as Democratic lawmakers vow to “fight fire with fire” to combat what they see as a wave of voter suppression efforts ordered by Donald Trump.
The battle surrounds the redistricting process, in which state legislatures and other officials take a look at once-a-decade census results to redraw congressional districts to balance the changing population.
But in Texas, Republican lawmakers — under the direction of the president and Governor Greg Abbott — are taking the rare step of drawing a new map in the middle of the decade, only a few years after the last redistricting cycle, in the hopes of picking up more Republican seats in the House of Representatives in 2026.
Continue reading...
What is redistricting and why is the fight over election maps bigger than Texas?
Ghislaine Maxwell not welcome in Texas ‘Club Fed’ prison camp, says inmate
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:10 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison in Texas — commonly referred to as a ‘Club Fed’ — has upset her fellow inmates, who believe she shouldn’t be there given the nature of her crimes.
The disgraced British socialite and former girlfriend of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was quietly transferred this week from a stricter low-security prison in Tallahassee, Florida, to a prison camp 100 miles outside Houston, Texas.
Maxwell’s new prison mainly houses inmates convicted of “white-collar” crimes and minor offenses, and they are said to be angry about her presence.
Read on...
Sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell not welcome in cushy Texas prison camp, says inmate
Trump claims prices are falling, but that's not the experience of most Americans
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:18 , Oliver O'ConnellDuring his CNBC interview, President Donald Trump hailed prices falling for “everything” except stocks.
“We were in such bad shape when I took over, eggs had tripled in price. More than that, everything was up, and prices are down,” he said.
However, as Erin Keller reports, more than half of Americans are experiencing financial strain due to the rising cost of groceries.
Epstein victim rips government’s handling of files release
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:37 , Oliver O'ConnellA victim of Jeffrey Epstein has condemned what they called the Trump administration’s “political warfare” in its handling of government files on the late convicted sex offender as the Justice Department pushes for the release of grand jury transcripts in his New York federal case.
Epstein was a wealthy financier who died in a New York City jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges. He had been accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. About a decade earlier, Epstein pleaded guilty to Florida state charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution.
Rachel Dobkin reports.
Watch: Trump corrected on when jobs numbers were revised before 2024 election
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:47 , Oliver O'ConnellKERNEN: The revision last year was in August. There was still plenty of time for voters to see those weren't real jobs.
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025
TRUMP: No. After the election in November. I believe it was in November.
KERNEN: This was in August
TRUMP: The numbers were rigged pic.twitter.com/Ao5k4hyIJm
Lobbyists have spent over $2M on TV ads in Palm Beach hoping to catch Trump’s attention
Tuesday 5 August 2025 19:56 , Oliver O'ConnellLobbyists in Florida have spent around $2 million on cable TV ads in the Palm Beach area in an apparent attempt to catch the attention of Donald Trump.
The president is known to be an avid television watcher, both at home at his Mar-a-Lago residence and during trips to his multiple golf clubs for tournaments.
Mike Bedigan has the details.
Over $2M spent on TV ads in Palm Beach hoping to catch Trump’s attention
South Park takes aim at Trump administration again
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:00 , Oliver O'ConnellSouth Park will continue to take aim at the Trump administration as ICE descend on the fictional Colorado town in an upcoming episode.
A teaser for the next episode, due August 6, shows Trump seated next to Satan at a formal dinner when he reaches under the table and touches the character’s thigh. Satan then bats his hand away, telling the president to “stop!” while a presenter in the background is heard praising Trump, stating: “We want to honor the president’s courage….”
The clip also shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers descending on South Park, with longtime guidance counsellor Mr. Mackey having apparently signed up to join them.
Kevin E G Perry reports.
South Park takes aim at Trump administration again as series moves to Paramount+
Watch: GOP lawmaker asked how much 'fascism' costs at rowdy town hall
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:13 , Oliver O'ConnellDemocrats reach breaking point over Republican threats in political map arms race
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:15 , Oliver O'ConnellAlex Woodward writes:
Democrats have spent years issuing warnings over Republican threats to redraw the political maps that could determine the balance of power for years to come. Now, they’re prepared for “war.”
After protracted legal battles to unwind Donald Trump’s executive actions and unsuccessful attempts to derail the president’s agenda in Congress, Democrats appear to have reached a breaking point and are ready to do some map-making of their own, reluctantly preparing to fight fire with fire.
Read on...
Democrats ready for ‘war’ in political map arms race with Republicans
ICE arrests dropped in July amid backlash to raids and mass deportation plans
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:23 , Oliver O'ConnellThe pace of daily immigration arrests fell nearly 20 percent in July, as the Trump administration confronted court challenges, threats against agents, and continued protests against its mass deportation plans.
Between July 1 and 27, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement averaged 990 daily arrests, down from 1,224 the previous month, according to government data analyzed by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonpartisan research project based at Syracuse University.
Josh Marcus reports.
ICE arrests dropped in July amid backlash to raids and legal challenges
Trump approval 20 points underwater in new poll with 81% blaming him for Epstein info blackout
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:32 , Oliver O'ConnellPublic approval of Donald Trump’s presidency has dropped by 6 percentage points since April, and his approval rating is now 20 points underwater, 38-58, according to a new national University of Massachusetts Amherst Poll of 1,000 respondents conducted July 25-30.
“Six months into his second term as president, Donald Trump looks to be on the ropes with the American public,” says Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science at UMass Amherst and director of the poll.
“Trump’s approval ratings, already historically low for a newly elected president, continue to sink, with close to 6-in-10 Americans (58%) expressing disapproval of the job that Trump is doing in office.
“While Trump remains a popular figure among Republicans and conservatives, Trump’s time in office is viewed more negatively across genders, generations, classes, and races, with majorities of each of these groups disapproving of Trump’s performance.
“With over three years left in the Trump administration, there is still time for him to right the ship and fulfill the promises that catapulted him to the presidency, but the president is not off to the start he or his supporters envisioned.”
On specific issues, Trump’s performance, rated on a percentage approve to disapprove, is as follows:
- Inflation: 31-63 (33-62 April 2025)
- Immigration: 41-54 (50-46 April 2025)
- Jobs: 37-55 (38-53 April 2025)
- Civil Rights: 32-58 (36-53 April 2025)
- Tariffs: 31-63 (Not asked in April 2025)
- Natural Disasters: 37-53 (Not asked in April 2025)
Of all issues surveyed in the latest University of Massachusetts Amherst Poll, one appears to be the greatest drag on Trump’s presidency: Jeffrey Epstein and Trump’s handling of the evidence gathered in the federal investigation of the accused sex trafficker and his long-time friend.
Some 63 percent of respondents believe the Trump administration is hiding information about the case, and 59 percent believe a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
Most alarmingly for Trump, 81 percent of respondents believe he is personally responsible for hiding information about the investigation into Epstein.
Laura Loomer’s MAGA critics accuse her of being funded by Big Pharma
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:44 , Oliver O'ConnellFar-right activist Laura Loomer has been accused by her MAGA critics of being funded by Big Pharma.
The accusations come after several federal workers targeted by Loomer have been fired, such as the NSA general counsel and a Biden alumna appointed to West Point, The Bulwark noted.
Another, Dr. Vinay Prasad, left his role at the top of a treatment-approval division at the Food and Drug Administration after Loomer accused him of disloyalty to President Donald Trump. Prasad said he resigned in order not to become a “distraction.”
Right-wing pharma critic Kevin Bass wrote on X on July 29 that “FDA is once again a paid arm of pharma. You can thank @LauraLoomer, Bob Goldberg, @AllysiaFinley, and the folks at @WSJ. Pharma paid them to coordinate and pull off the coup.”
Gustaf Kilander has the story.
Laura Loomer’s MAGA critics accuse her of being funded by Big Pharma
Texas senator calls on FBI director Kash Patel to hunt down ‘fleeing’ Democrats
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:49 , Oliver O'ConnellRepublican Senator John Cornyn is calling on the FBI to track down and arrest Texas Democrats who left the state to derail a vote on new congressional districts explicitly designed to elect more Republicans to Congress.
In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday, Cornyn requested the agency’s help to “locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law.”
Alex Woodward has the latest.
Texas senator calls on FBI director Kash Patel to hunt down ‘fleeing’ Democrats
MTG turned on GOP after Trump snubbed her ambitions to be governor, expert says
Tuesday 5 August 2025 20:53 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump’s apparent reluctance to publicly back Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s gubernatorial bid triggered her potential break with the GOP, according to an expert.
Once one of the president’s most loyal supporters, Greene ramped up her anti-Republican rhetoric over the weekend, claiming that she had become disillusioned with the party and questioned its treatment of female politicians.
James Liddell reports.
‘Has to sting’: MTG turned on GOP after Trump shut down governor hopes, expert says
In just six months, Trump is nearly halfway through Project 2025 agenda
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:04 , Oliver O'ConnellNearly half of the initiatives laid out in Project 2025 — which is considered by many to be a blueprint for the second Trump administration — have already been implemented by the president, a rolling analysis has found.
Just over six months into Donald Trump’s second term, approximately 115 of the 317 objectives set forth in the far-right playbook, authored in 2023 by the Heritage Foundation, have become a reality.
Ariana Baio has the details.
Project 2025 agenda is about halfway to completion in Trump’s first six months
Watch LIVE: Trump signs executive orders as questions continue to swirl around Epstein links
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:08 , Oliver O'ConnellDemocrats have early edge over Republicans in 2026 midterm election poll
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:12 , Oliver O'ConnellA new poll finds that Democrats have an early edge heading into the 2026 midterm elections in the minority party’s bid to wrest control of the House of Representatives back from Republicans.
A YouGov/The Economist survey took place between August 1-4 and polled 1702 US adult citizens. The generic ballot is a barometer that shows just whether voters would prefer voting for a Democrat or a Republican.
Eric Garcia reports from Washington, D.C.
Democrats hold slim edge over Republicans in early 2026 midterm election poll
Epstein Estate takes no position on government's request to unseal grand jury transcripts
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:21 , Oliver O'ConnellThe co-executors of the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein have written to Judge Richard Berman to set out their position regarding the government’s motion to unseal all grand jury transcripts relating to the investigation, “subject to appropriate redactions of victim-related and other personal identifying information.”
“In view of the Government’s commitment to protect the identities of those claiming to have been victimized by Mr. Epstein, the Epstein Estate takes no position regarding the Government’s motion to unseal.”
Trump threatens further tariff action as new import taxes set to kick in
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:22 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump has issued new tariff threats against the European Union, India, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Trump outlined aggressive tariff reprisals, threatening the European Union with a 35 percent levy and indicating a substantial increase in duties on Indian goods, citing their purchase of Russian oil.
Speaking on CNBC, Trump stated that 35 per cent tariffs would apply to the European Union if they failed to deliver on promised investments in U.S. goods. He claimed the EU was paying $600 billion, adding “We’re a rich country again,” and that the investment could go in “anything I want.”
He also indicated imported pharmaceutical drugs could eventually face tariffs as high as 200 percent, stating: “We want pharmaceuticals made in our country.”
He explained that these would be increased to 150 or 200 percent over 18 months. Tariffs on semiconductors and computer chips are also expected.
Higher tariffs could also be imposed on India, Trump revealed. Last week, the US announced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional import tax due to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
“I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours because they’re buying Russian oil, they’re fueling the war machine,” Trump said on Tuesday. “And if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.”
These tariff threats are part of a broader recent surge in trade activity, including actions on Brazil, copper, low-value goods, and reduced taxes on South Korean imports.
With reporting from the AP
Epstein survivors urge transparency 'without sacrificing their safety, privacy, or dignity'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:25 , Oliver O'ConnellIn another letter to Judge Richard Berman, lawyers representing the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes say that they “support transparency when it can be achieved without sacrificing their safety, privacy, or dignity.”
They write:
But transparency cannot come at the expense of the very people whom the justice system is sworn to protect particularly amid contemporaneous events that magnify risk and trauma. Several victims have already died by suicide, drug overdose, or under tragic circumstances tied directly to the trauma caused by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These survivors have already endured profound violations of their rights and dignity, both during the years of Epstein’s abuse and in the years following. To now compound their trauma by sidelining them from critical decisions— especially in this climate of heightened concern—is inconsistent with both the letter and the spirit of the [Crime Victims’ Rights Act].
The CVRA, Rule 6(e), and Eleventh Circuit authority all point toward narrow tailoring, maximal privacy protections, and meaningful victim participation before any grand jury material sees daylight.
We respectfully ask the Court to adopt the safeguards outlined above.
Epstein survivor Annie Farmer supports release of grand jury transcripts
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:28 , Oliver O'ConnellAnnie Farmer, a survivor of the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, says through her lawyers that she supports the release of the grand jury transcripts from the respective investigations.
“Ms. Farmer strongly supports the release of Epstein’s and Maxwell’s grand jury transcripts, subject to appropriate redactions of the victims’ names and identifying information. Unsealing the grand jury transcripts serves the interests of transparency, accountability, and restorative justice.”
Full story: Ghislaine Maxwell does not want grand jury transcripts released
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:31 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, is opposing the government’s requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case.
The Trump administration has been firefighting the fallout from the so-called “Epstein Files” since the DOJ released a memo last month that contained little new information and concluded no further investigation was warranted into the late sex offender’s alleged sex trafficking scheme.
Kelly Rissman has the latest.
No new information in Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts, Pam Bondi says
Full story: Murdoch to provide Trump regular health updates in deal to delay deposition
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:40 , Oliver O'ConnellRight-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to give Donald Trump regular health updates in a deal to postpone Murdoch’s deposition in the president’s $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about a “bawdy” birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The deal comes a week after the president’s lawyers called on the 94-year-old Murdoch to be deposed within the next 15 days due to his advanced age and health problems over the years, implying that the Fox News founder could die before the case went to trial.
Justin Baragona reports.
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94-year-old Murdoch to give Trump regular health updates in deal to delay deposition
Trump threatens to take over Washington DC's governance
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:42 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the federal government could take control of Washington D.C. if the local government “doesn't get its act together,” as he posted on social media criticizing crime in the U.S. capital.
“The law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these 'minors' as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14,” Trump stated.
“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the city,” he added.
Here’s his Truth Social post in full:
Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control. Local “youths” and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released. They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now! The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these “minors” as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14. The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs. Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see. If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore. Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Trump met with Judge Jeanine Pirro today, recently confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. She posted a video from outside the White House:
President Trump wants me to relay a message to you about crimes in the nation’s capital pic.twitter.com/zvT5YqpaAC
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) August 5, 2025
Data released by the FBI today shows that crime decreased in every category in 2024, including murder, violent crime, and motor vehicle thefts. This trend aligns with experts' reports of continuous drops in violent crimes after a spike following the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the report highlighted good news, a violent crime still happened every 25.9 seconds on average in the United States last year, according to the FBI's annual Unified Crime Report, which gathers crime data from law enforcement agencies nationwide.
This year's report utilizes data from 16,675 agencies, encompassing a combined population of over 325 million people, which accounts for approximately 95.6% of U.S. residents.
Trump uses White House auditorium his administration derided as Biden ‘fake Oval Office’
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:48 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is holding an event to sign an executive order establishing an Olympics task force for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
He is doing so in a White House auditorium that his administration previously criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for utilizing.
The South Court Auditorium, where Mr Trump is set to sign the directive, stands in contrast to the Oval Office, Trump’s usual venue for such official acts.
The Biden administration frequently hosted events in the auditorium, a practice that drew sharp criticism from Trump officials.
In March, Alina Habba, a former Trump attorney and his preferred candidate for top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, posted from the room on X, declaring: “We’re in Biden’s FAKE Oval Office.”
The following month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt similarly referred to the space as “Joe Biden’s former office that he pretended to be his office.”
With reporting from the AP
Trump presented with full set of LA 1984 Olympic medals
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:52 , Oliver O'Connell“Can I say I won them athletically?” jokes Trump
Trump is presented a full set of Olympic medals
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2025
Trump: Can I say that I won them athletically? pic.twitter.com/jxhfYIJ61Z
Trump asked if he would support Israel occupying all of Gaza
Tuesday 5 August 2025 21:57 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Independent’s Andrew Feinberg asked President Donald Trump: “Mr. President, would you support Israel reoccupying all of Gaza as has been suggested by some Israeli officials?”
The president responded: “Well, I don't know what the suggestion is. I know that we have, we are there now, trying to get people fed. As you know, $60 million was given by the United States fairly recently to supply food, and lot of, lot of food, frankly, for the people of Gaza that are obviously not doing too well with the food. And I know Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution, and also money. We also have, the Arab states are going to help us with that in terms of the money and possibly distribution. So that's what I'm focused on. As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say that's going to be pretty much up to Israel.”
‘Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not’: Sex trafficker fights DOJ move to unseal grand jury records
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:01 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, who, after his death, was convicted of sex trafficking girls and young women as his accomplice, is opposing the government’s requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case.
Kelly Rissman has the full story.
Ghislaine Maxwell does not want grand jury transcripts released
Watch: Trump asked about prosecuting foreign trans athletes competing in the US
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:04 , Oliver O'ConnellQuestion: Will the DOJ consider pressing charges against any man that tries to masquerade as a woman coming into this country to beat up American athletes?
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2025
Trump: I would have to ask the attorney general about that pic.twitter.com/8MLBFFgdOA
Trump says Vance would 'probably' be heir apparent
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:06 , Oliver O'ConnellAsked if JD Vance is his heir apparent, President Donald Trump doesn’t definitively say yes: “Certainly he’s doing a good job,” and “probably” would be the next Republican nominee.
Trump adds that Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could possibly team up and “some other people on this stage” — some of his Cabinet secretaries — could also be future players.
DOOCY: You could clear the entire Republican field right now. Do you agree that the heir apparent to MAGA is JD Vance?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025
TRUMP: Well I think most likely pic.twitter.com/Ntkd2MVxPK
Trump says he may use National Guard or military at the 2028 Olympics
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:09 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump says, “We’ll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe,” and said that includes potentially deploying “our National Guard or military.”
His statement comes after he sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests earlier this year.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Games, beginning on July 14, 2028.
Trump: "We'll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe, including using our National Guard or military." pic.twitter.com/q00vbe0fff
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025
Trump rules out Bessent for Fed chair, will choose someone for open seat 'very shortly'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:15 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump is poised to name his choice for an open seat on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors “very shortly,” after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent withdrew his consideration for the role.
Speaking to CNBC, Trump described Fed Governor Adriana Kugler’s decision to vacate her seat early as a “pleasant surprise.”
Kugler’s departure, which came ahead of her term’s scheduled end on 31 January, appears to have accelerated Trump’s plans for the U.S. central bank, providing an immediate opportunity to appoint an individual who could potentially be elevated to the top policymaking position when Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term concludes in May.
Trump indicated that his selection would be “one of four people,” identifying current White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as “very good” prospects. While he did not disclose the names of the other two individuals, reports suggest current Governor Christopher Waller is under consideration, despite his advocacy for rate cuts not aligning with the pace or extent that Trump desires.
“There are numerous people that are qualified,” Trump stated, reiterating his intention to announce a replacement for Kugler, who was appointed to the Fed’s board by Joe Biden, “very shortly.” Bessent, he clarified, would not be in contention for the position as he wishes to remain in his senior Treasury role.
The nominee would initially serve the remaining months of Kugler’s term. However, Trump could explicitly signal his intention for that individual to be nominated for a full 14-year term and to also be his preferred candidate to succeed Powell when the Fed chief’s term expires next May. This strategy would afford his nominee several months and multiple policy meetings to begin influencing the policy debate.
“A lot of people say, when you do that, why don’t you just pick the person who is going to head up the Fed? That’s a possibility, too,” Trump added.
With reporting from Reuters
Trump comments on Texas redistricting and Democrat response
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:17 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump was asked by a reporter if gaining five additional Republican seats via redistricting in Texas was worth it, considering that Democratic-dominated states such as California, New York, and Illinois would likely do the same to add more seats there.
The president responded that they would have done it anyway.
Doocy: if Texas redrawing their congressional map right, would get you five safe red seats means that California, NY, Illinois, and Maryland are all going to redraw their maps to add safe.
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2025
Trump: Well, they'll do it anyway.
Doocy: Is it worth it?
Trump: They would’ve done it… pic.twitter.com/dJ1nzFjtMp
Asked if he supports having the FBI help Texas Republicans return Texas Democratic lawmakers hunkering down in suburban Chicago to the state, President Trump says: “They may have to. … The governor wants them back.”
Earlier, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas had asked the FBI to help round up Texas Democrats and send them home.
Trump say the FBI “may have to” arrest Texas Democrats who broke quorum pic.twitter.com/xAsCMKdDX4
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2025
Trump asked whether he personally approved transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:20 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump was asked if he personally approved the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower security prison camp in Texas.
He replied that he didn’t know about it and claimed it was “not a very uncommon thing.”
Q: Did you personally approve the prison transfer for Ghislaine Maxwell?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025
TRUMP: I didn't know about it at all. It's not a very uncommon thing.
Q: Do you believe she's credible?
TRUMP: Todd Blanche is one of the most highly respected people you would ever meet pic.twitter.com/4U6yNkNPxK
Trump was also asked about Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s meeting with the convicted sex trafficker.
Trump says the Deputy AG is speaking with Ghislaine Maxwell so that: people who should not be involved or aren't involved are not hurt by something that would be very, very unfortunate, very unfair to a lot of people pic.twitter.com/M4r95jjThd
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 5, 2025
Elon Musk reposts Trump's call to federalize DC
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:27 , Oliver O'ConnellElon Musk has reposted President Donald Trump’s call to federalize Washington, D.C. if the authorities cannot get crime under control.
Musk provides more detail on what a photo posted by the president — of a bloodied shirtless young man —appears to depict.
He wrote: “A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC.
“A @Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her.
“It is time to federalize DC.”
A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 5, 2025
A @Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her.
It is time to federalize DC. pic.twitter.com/RPHKj7J3ti
“Somebody from DOGE was very badly hurt last night,” Trump said this afternoon at a White House event. “You saw that. A young man who was beat up by a bunch of thugs in D.C. And either they're going to straighten their act out in terms of government and in terms of protection, or we're going to have to federalize and run it the way it's supposed to be run.”
.@POTUS: "Somebody from @DOGE was very badly hurt last night... a young man who was beat up by a bunch of thugs in D.C. Either they're going to straighten their act out... or we're going to have to federalize and run it the way it's supposed to be run." https://t.co/Z6Ywr9oYYX pic.twitter.com/yhg9mRfDaF
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2025
Full story: Trump team officially ends Musk’s ‘five things’ DOGE email
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:30 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Trump administration has ditched an Elon Musk–mandated program requiring federal employees to share five workplace accomplishments every week, according to a new memo.
When the billionaire was at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency before his relationship with President Donald Trump imploded in early June, his short-lived initiative prompted widespread outrage among employees and management at federal agencies.
Rhian Lubin has the details.
Trump team officially ends Musk’s ‘five things’ DOGE email that drew ire
Texas Democrat eviscerates Republicans when asked if they 'ran from fight'
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:40 , Oliver O'ConnellCBS News asked Texas Rep. Ann Johnson if Democrats “ran from the fight” by leaving the state to avoid a vote on redistricting to gerrymander the electoral map in favor of Republicans.
She replied: “No, abandoning your job is going to Cancun during a deadly freeze” — a reference to Sen. Ted Cruz going on vacation as the state lost power and heat. She also gave examples of cuts to healthcare and education.
She then added, “When Trump called Georgia Republicans and said, ‘I just need you to find me 11,000 votes,’ they said no.
“But when he called Texas Republicans and said I need you to steal me five seats, they said, ‘Does July work for you?’
“Well, it doesn’t work for us as Texas Democrats.”
Watch the full clip below:
🚨OH MY GOD: CBS asked Texas Rep. Ann Johnson if Democrats “ran from the fight.” Her response was epic:
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 5, 2025
“No, abandoning your job is going to Cancun during a deadly freeze.”
Then she went nuclear:
“When Trump asked Georgia GOP to ‘find 11,000 votes,’ they said no.
When he asked… pic.twitter.com/Xxh0uS27s7
And here’s more of the interview:
Texas Democratic lawmakers Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Ann Johnson and Rep. John Bucy — who fled the state to block a vote on a GOP redistricting plan backed by President Trump — tell CBS News’ @edokeefe the that threat of arrest is "not normal"
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 5, 2025
"The threat of arrest is something… pic.twitter.com/lbfA67m42j
Trump’s agriculture secretary doubles down on suggestion people should work on farms to avoid losing Medicaid
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:45 , Oliver O'ConnellAmericans at risk of losing their Medicaid government health coverage because of new work requirements signed into law by the Trump administration should find employment on U.S. farms, according to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“We have way too many people that are taking government program that are able to work,” Rollins said in an interview on Fox Business on Tuesday. “This is not children. These are not disabled [people]. These are not senior citizens. These are able-bodied Americans who are taking government handouts.”
Josh Marcus reports from San Francisco.
Trump’s farm secretary says people should work in fields to avoid losing Medicaid
'This makes me sick': Ghislaine Maxwell’s cushy prison transfer roils federal prison staffers
Tuesday 5 August 2025 22:54 , Oliver O'ConnellCurrent and former federal prison workers are reportedly furious that Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell was recently transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas referred to as “Club Fed” for its relatively relaxed conditions.
Josh Marcus reports.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to cushy prison roils federal staffers: ‘Makes me sick’
Good morning
Wednesday 6 August 2025 14:25 , Oliver O'ConnellWelcome back to our rolling coverage of the latest developments in Trumpworld as the scandal over the administration’s handling of the Epstein files continues.
This evening, Trump officials will gather at Vice President JD Vance’s residence to discuss strategy, according to reporting by CNN.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell is said to have been given special preference in her transfer to a “Club Fed” minimum security prison camp in Texas, The Washington Post reports. President Donald Trump yesterday denied any part in her relocation from prison in Florida. She is currently serving 20 years for sex trafficking underage girls to Epstein.
And finally, the House Oversight Committee has issued nearly a dozen subpoenas for information related to Epstein. One subpoena sent to the Department of Justice requests that all Epstein files in its possession, as well as any communications between former Biden administration officials and the DOJ related to the case, be handed over to Congress.
Subpoenas were also issued to 10 prominent Democratic and Republican figures, requesting closed-door depositions. This includes both former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Vance to hold crisis strategy meeting to discuss Epstein files, report says
Wednesday 6 August 2025 14:27 , Oliver O'ConnellCNN reports that top Trump administration officials will gather at the vice president’s residence Wednesday evening as they continue to decide whether to release an audio recording and transcript of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s recent conversation with Ghislaine Maxwell, an accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.
The administration’s handling of the Epstein case, along with the need to develop a unified response, is expected to be a main focus of the dinner, according to three sources familiar with the meeting. The attendees will include White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Blanche.
With the exception of Vance, these officials are considered the leaders of the administration’s ongoing strategy regarding the Epstein files, two sources said.
The meeting occurs as Trump’s administration weighs the possibility of releasing the contents of Blanche’s interview with Maxwell last month. Two officials told CNN that the materials could be made public as soon as this week.
Trump approval 20 points underwater in new poll with 81% blaming him for Epstein info blackout
Wednesday 6 August 2025 14:47 , Oliver O'ConnellPublic approval of Donald Trump’s presidency has dropped by 6 percentage points since April, and his approval rating is now 20 points underwater, 38-58, according to a new national University of Massachusetts Amherst Poll of 1,000 respondents conducted July 25-30.
“Six months into his second term as president, Donald Trump looks to be on the ropes with the American public,” says Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science at UMass Amherst and director of the poll.
“Trump’s approval ratings, already historically low for a newly elected president, continue to sink, with close to 6-in-10 Americans (58%) expressing disapproval of the job that Trump is doing in office.
“While Trump remains a popular figure among Republicans and conservatives, Trump’s time in office is viewed more negatively across genders, generations, classes, and races, with majorities of each of these groups disapproving of Trump’s performance.
“With over three years left in the Trump administration, there is still time for him to right the ship and fulfill the promises that catapulted him to the presidency, but the president is not off to the start he or his supporters envisioned.”
On specific issues, Trump’s performance, rated on a percentage approve to disapprove, is as follows:
- Inflation: 31-63 (33-62 April 2025)
- Immigration: 41-54 (50-46 April 2025)
- Jobs: 37-55 (38-53 April 2025)
- Civil Rights: 32-58 (36-53 April 2025)
- Tariffs: 31-63 (Not asked in April 2025)
- Natural Disasters: 37-53 (Not asked in April 2025)
Of all issues surveyed in the latest University of Massachusetts Amherst Poll, one appears to be the greatest drag on Trump’s presidency: Jeffrey Epstein and Trump’s handling of the evidence gathered in the federal investigation of the accused sex trafficker and his long-time friend.
Some 63 percent of respondents believe the Trump administration is hiding information about the case, and 59 percent believe a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate the Justice Department’s handling of the case.
Most alarmingly for Trump, 81 percent of respondents believe he is personally responsible for hiding information about the investigation into Epstein.
Report: Ghislaine Maxwell told Justice Department she never saw Trump do anything concerning with Epstein
Wednesday 6 August 2025 14:58 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell said that she never saw Donald Trump do anything that would cause concern, during her hours-long meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Jeffrey Epstein case, according to ABC News.
The Trump administration is considering whether to release the transcript from Blanche’s meetings with Maxwell last month, ABC News reported. CNN first reported that the meeting was recorded and is being digitized.
Kelly Rissman has the latest.
Maxwell told Blanche she never saw Trump do anything concerning with Epstein: report
Bill and Hillary Clinton ordered to testify in congressional Epstein probe
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:10 , Oliver O'ConnellBill and Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee in October as the panel probes the investigations into pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted sex trafficking accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the committee, tweeted a list of testimony dates on Tuesday for upcoming witnesses — including the former president and secretary of state — who are compelled to appear by subpoena.
Several other leading federal officials, including former Attorney General Merrick Garland, are also scheduled to testify.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
Bill and Hillary Clinton ordered to testify in Jeffrey Epstein investigation
White House: Apple to pledge $100B for US manufacturing
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:19 , Oliver O'ConnellApple is poised to announce a significant new financial commitment of an additional $100 billion towards expanding its production footprint within the U.S.
The pledge, confirmed by a White House official speaking on condition of anonymity, aligns with President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff and trade agenda, which aims to repatriate manufacturing jobs to the U.S. It will be officially announced this afternoon.
This latest commitment follows Apple's earlier declaration in February, where the tech giant outlined plans to invest $500 billion in U.S. operations over the next four years. That broader initiative includes the establishment of a giant factory in Texas dedicated to artificial intelligence servers, alongside the creation of approximately 20,000 research and development positions nationwide.
Trump's tariffs cost Apple $800 million in the June quarter and spurred some customers to buy iPhones in late spring this year.
In response, Apple has been strategically re-routing production for products destined for the U.S. market, sourcing iPhones from India and other devices, such as Macs and Apple Watches, from Vietnam.
The ultimate tariff rates applicable to many Apple products remain uncertain, though a number of its products are currently exempt.
With reporting from Reuters
Will Trump administration release Ghislaine Maxwell's interview?
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:20 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Trump administration is considering publicly releasing an audio recording of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell and senior officials from the Department of Justice about Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new report.
It was previously unknown that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether to release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Trump weighs releasing Ghislaine Maxwell’s Epstein interview with DOJ: report
Trump says he ‘didn’t know’ about Ghislaine Maxwell transfer from prison to Texas Club Fed
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:30 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump says that he was not behind the order directing Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer from a prison facility in Florida to a minimum security facility in Texas dubbed “Club Fed”.
The president claimed on Tuesday that he’d only learned about the prison transfer in news reports. Maxwell remains in prison on a 20-year sentence for crimes committed with Jeffrey Epstein, her former boyfriend. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting charges for sex trafficking children.
John Bowden reports.
Trump says he ‘didn’t know’ about Ghislaine Maxwell prison transfer to Texas Club Fed
Trump slaps new tariffs on India over Russian oil imports
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:36 , Oliver O'ConnellPresident Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil.
This brings the combined tariffs levied by his administration on the country to 50%.
The new import taxes take effect 21 days after the order's signing, potentially allowing India and Russia time to negotiate with the administration.
The move threatens to further complicate US-Indian relations and comes shortly after an Indian government source said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit China for the first time in over seven years later this month.
U.S.-India ties are facing their most serious crisis in years after talks with India failed to produce a trade agreement.
With reporting from Reuters
‘Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not’: Sex trafficker fights DOJ move to unseal grand jury records
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:45 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, who, after his death, was convicted of sex trafficking girls and young women as his accomplice, is opposing the government’s requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case.
The Trump administration has been firefighting the fallout from the so-called “Epstein Files” since the DOJ released a memo last month that contained little new information and concluded no further investigation was warranted into the late sex offender’s alleged sex trafficking scheme.
Kelly Rissman reports on Maxwell’s opposition to the release of the grand jury transcripts that saw her tried and convicted in federal court.
Ghislaine Maxwell does not want grand jury transcripts released
Family of Epstein victim issues statement on JD Vance strategy dinner
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:47 , Oliver O'ConnellThe family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, issued a new statement Wednesday on the meeting planned at Vice President JD Vance’s residence tonight regarding the Trump administration’s strategy on the Epstein Files.
Sky and Amanda Roberts, and Danny and Lanette Wilson, released the following statement:
“We understand that Vice President JD Vance will hold a strategy session this evening at his residence with administration officials. Missing from this group is, of course, any survivor of the vicious crimes of convicted perjurer and sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. Their voices must be heard, above all. We also call upon the House subcommittee to invite survivors to testify.
“As Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s siblings, we offer to represent her in her stead and we hope the administration takes our call to action seriously.
“Any information that may be released by the government should take into account the survivors who wish to remain anonymous, for their safety and well-being. They should be consulted first.
“We reiterate that Ghislaine Maxwell should have remained in a maximum security prison and does not deserve the luxuries currently afforded her.”
Democrat lawmaker likes Vance strategy dinner to mob 'family meeting'
Wednesday 6 August 2025 15:50 , Oliver O'ConnellA family meeting. Yeah this is how the mob does it, too. https://t.co/kzJbR0B433
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) August 6, 2025
How are Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein connected?
Wednesday 6 August 2025 16:00 , Oliver O'ConnellFormer President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been subpoenaed by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee to give testimony about their past dealings with the late billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In his letter to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party’s 2016 presidential nominee, committee chair James Comer wrote: “Your family appears to have had a close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Joe Sommerlad takes a look at what he’s referring to.
Trump admin has until noon Friday to respond to Epstein victims
Wednesday 6 August 2025 16:15 , Oliver O'ConnellJudge Richard Berman had given the Trump administration until 12 p.m. ET on Friday to respond to yesterday’s filings by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell regarding the unsealing of grand jury testimony and accompanying exhibits.
He wants to know to what extent the information included has already been made public and what the government’s position is on unsealing the exhibits in addition to the transcripts.
Read Judge Berman’s order here.
“The survivors support transparency when it can be achieved without sacrificing their safety, privacy, or dignity,” lawyers for the survivors wrote in a letter to the judge weighing unsealing transcripts from the investigation into Maxwell.
“But transparency cannot come at the expense of the very people whom the justice system is sworn to protect — particularly amid contemporaneous events that magnify risk and trauma: the public platforming of Ms. Maxwell as a purportedly credible commentator despite her sex-trafficking conviction and perjury charges, her transfer to lower-security custody, a government request to unseal filed without conferral, and the looming specter of clemency,” they added.
Gloria Allred to hold press conference with Epstein victim today
Wednesday 6 August 2025 16:21 , Oliver O'ConnellHigh-profile attorney Gloria Allred, who has represented 27 victims of Jeffrey Epstein, will hold a press event at 3 p.m. ET today with one of the survivors of abuse by the late sex offender.
According to an announcement, the victim was the first person to have documented proof that she filed a police report against Jeffrey Epstein in 1997, alleging that he sexually battered her.
At the press conference, the victim will respond for the first time to questions about recent developments, such as:
- Should the Epstein files be released?
- Should Ghislaine Maxwell be pardoned by the President?
- Did you ever meet Virginia Giuffre?
- If you did, what did you discuss?
- Do you want Ms. Maxwell to testify before Congress?
- How do you feel about seeing the Jeffrey Epstein story in the news almost every day?
Allred will discuss what the next step should be to help and protect victims from sexual predators and what positive changes Congress should consider, given the failures of the criminal justice system to protect victims from being preyed upon by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s cushy prison transfer roils federal prison staffers
Wednesday 6 August 2025 16:30 , Oliver O'ConnellCurrent and former federal prison workers are reportedly furious that Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell was recently transferred to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas known as “Club Fed” for its relatively relaxed conditions.
Following Maxwell’s transfer to the Bryan Federal Prison Camp, which was disclosed by federal officials on Friday, Bureau of Prisons staff shared their thoughts in a private Facebook group for vetted agency employees and retirees, NBC News reports.
Josh Marcus has the story.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to cushy prison roils federal staffers: ‘Makes me sick’
Murdoch to provide Trump regular health updates in deal to delay Epstein letter defamation deposition
Wednesday 6 August 2025 16:50 , Oliver O'ConnellRight-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to give Donald Trump regular health updates in a deal to postpone Murdoch’s deposition in the president’s $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about a “bawdy” birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Justin Baragona has the details.
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94-year-old Murdoch to give Trump regular health updates in deal to delay deposition
‘I read about it just like you’: Trump says he ‘didn’t know’ about Ghislaine Maxwell transfer from prison to Texas Club Fed
Wednesday 6 August 2025 17:10 , Oliver O'ConnellDonald Trump says that he was not behind the order directing Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer from a prison facility in Florida to a minimum security facility in Texas dubbed “Club Fed”.
The president claimed on Tuesday that he’d only learned about the prison transfer in news reports. Maxwell remains in prison on a 20-year sentence for crimes committed with Jeffrey Epstein, her former boyfriend. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting charges for sex trafficking children.
“I didn’t know about it at all. I read about it just like you did,” Trump told a reporter.
John Bowden reports.
Trump says he ‘didn’t know’ about Ghislaine Maxwell prison transfer to Texas Club Fed
Meanwhile, on Truth Social...
Wednesday 6 August 2025 17:20 , Oliver O'ConnellHere’s what has been on President Donald Trump’s mind this morning (in between slapping more tariffs on India and speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky).
He lashed out at Senator Chuck Schumer, calling him and other Democrats “extortionists”:
Politically embattled Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, wants the Republicans to pay, as EXTORTION, TWO BILLION DOLLARS in order for the Radical Left Democrats to approve the hundreds of Trump Appointments who have been waiting for months, and are raring’ to go. This has never happened before. There has never, in U.S. history, been such a delay. THEY ARE EXTORTIONISTS! Republicans must create legislation in order to get out of the grasp of these Country hating THUGS. Move quickly!!! MAGA
He posted a video of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard discussing her accusations of an attempted “coup” by former President Barack Obama with Laura Ingraham, writing:
Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard: “Obama directed that a National Security Council meeting be called... They were tasked to create an Intelligence Assessment that detailed how Moscow tried to influence the election—not 'if'—but 'how'... They knowingly wrote things in this assessment that were false.”
More on that here, as AG Pam Bondi orders a grand jury investigation.
And he proclaimed that he had donated his salary to the White House Historical Association:
I am proud to be the only President (with the possible exception of the Late, Great George Washington) to donate my Salary. My first “Paycheck” went to the White House Historical Association, as we make much needed renovations to the beautiful “People’s House.” Great improvements and beautification is taking place at the White House, at levels not seen since its original creation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Earlier, he celebrated his 36 Club Championships in golf:
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 08.06.25 09:22 AM EST
— Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 6, 2025
36 Club Championships! pic.twitter.com/ue0UEHjIOy
More context on that below:
White House boasts about Trump’s golf score days after he was accused of cheating
Ghislaine Maxwell fights DOJ move to unseal grand jury records
Wednesday 6 August 2025 17:30 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein who after his death was convicted of sex trafficking girls and young women as his accomplice, is opposing the government’s requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Ghislaine Maxwell does not want grand jury transcripts released
Maxwell not welcome in Texas ‘Club Fed’ prison camp, says inmate
Wednesday 6 August 2025 17:50 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell’s transfer to a minimum-security prison in Texas — commonly referred to as a ‘Club Fed’ — has upset her fellow inmates, who believe she shouldn’t be there given the nature of her crimes.
The disgraced British socialite and former girlfriend of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was quietly transferred this week from a stricter low-security prison in Tallahassee, Florida, to a prison camp 100 miles outside Houston, Texas.
Maxwell’s new prison mainly houses inmates convicted of “white-collar” crimes and minor offenses, and they are said to be angry about her presence.
Read on...
Sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell not welcome in cushy Texas prison camp, says inmate
Trump admin considering asking Joe Rogan to help diffuse Epstein files furore: report
Wednesday 6 August 2025 18:06 , Oliver O'ConnellTonight’s Epstein strategy meeting hosted by Vice President JD Vance comes as the Trump administration considers releasing the contents of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s interview last month with Ghislaine Maxwell.
Two officials told CNN that the materials from the meeting with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice could be made public as early as this week.
There have also been internal discussions about Blanche holding a press conference or doing a high-profile interview, and one name that emerged as a possibility was podcaster Joe Rogan, three people familiar with the discussions told CNN. Those conversations are only preliminary at this stage, the network notes.
Rogan, who endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has been highly critical of the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein case and previously called their refusal to release more information about Epstein a “line in the sand.”
Rogan has also accused Trump of “gaslighting” his supporters over the Epstein files.
The podcaster criticized the administration’s handling of information regarding Epstein during a July 25 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, featuring guest Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer.
“This one’s a line in the sand, because this is one where there’s a lot of stuff about, you know, when we thought Trump was going to come in and a lot of things are going to be resolved, going to drain the swamp, going to figure everything out, and when you have this one hardcore line in the sand that everybody had been talking about forever, and then they’re trying to gaslight you on that,” said Rogan.
Trump supporters grew furious earlier this month when the administration released a memo rejecting conspiracy theories regarding the official ruling on Epstein’s death as being by suicide in a Manhattan jail in August 2019. The memo stated that there was no “client list” and that no more information about the case would be released.
The Epstein files have been the subject of a litany of conspiracy theories, mostly stemming from the right.
Here’s what the Epstein schism could mean for the MAGA base:
Could Trump lose the ‘bros’ that helped him win election over Epstein Files fallout?
Clintons ordered to testify in Jeffrey Epstein investigation
Wednesday 6 August 2025 18:20 , Oliver O'ConnellBill and Hillary Clinton are set to testify before the House Oversight Committee in October as the panel investigates the cases involving pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted sex trafficking accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the committee, tweeted a list of testimony dates on Tuesday for upcoming witnesses — including the former president and secretary of state — who are compelled by subpoena to appear.
Several other top federal officials, including former Attorney General Merrick Garland, are also scheduled to testify.
John Bowden reports.
Bill and Hillary Clinton ordered to testify in Jeffrey Epstein investigation
Tulsi Gabbard asked directly if Epstein was an 'intelligence asset'
Wednesday 6 August 2025 18:30 , Oliver O'ConnellDirector of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard refused to rule out whether late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein served as an “intelligence asset,” during an awkward interview.
Former Democrat turned Trump-loyalist Gabbard sat down with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on the Pod Force One podcast, which was released today.
“Lastly, Epstein. Do you think there is any evidence that he could be, could’ve been, an intelligence asset, either for us or for foreign agencies?” Devine asked toward the end of the interview.
“Uh, I can tell you I haven’t seen anything, um, that’s come across my desk that reflects that,“ Gabbard responded.
The DNI continued: “Um, if that were to change and there was some credible information or intelligence, um, that that did come to light, um, you know, the president has made clear if there’s anything that’s credible out there ‘put it out there for the American people to see,’ and I would do exactly that.”
Gabbard then suggested that the “mainstream media” was trying to distract from President Donald Trump’s successes by dredging up the Epstein scandal.
There have long been reports and rumors suggesting that Epstein might have had links to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.
The story was recently rejected by the former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, but is promoted by some conservative commentators, including former Fox News star Tucker Carlson.
A former victim of Epstein’s claimed he boasted about being a Mossad agent, though no evidence has ever confirmed this.
Here’s Mike Bedigan with more:
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Tucker Carlson claims Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israel to blackmail US officials
How are the Clintons connected to Epstein?
Wednesday 6 August 2025 18:40 , Oliver O'ConnellFormer President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been subpoenaed by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee to give testimony about their past dealings with the late billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In his letter to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party’s 2016 presidential nominee, committee chair James Comer wrote: “Your family appears to have had a close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.”
Joe Sommerlad looks at how they are connected.
Is JD Vance Trump's MAGA heir apparent?
Wednesday 6 August 2025 18:50 , Oliver O'ConnellMadeline Sherratt takes a look at recent remarks that suggest he may well be...
Trump names JD Vance as his heir apparent for MAGA in 2028
While anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project has been circulating a video designed to stir things up:
JD has a plan, Donald. And he's out to get you. pic.twitter.com/K1fgBj6rSY
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) July 30, 2025
Report: Ghislaine Maxwell told Justice Department she never saw Trump do anything concerning with Epstein
Wednesday 6 August 2025 19:10 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell said that she never saw Donald Trump do anything that would cause concern during her hours-long meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Jeffrey Epstein case, according to ABC News.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking underage girls to her late accomplice, Epstein.
She was recently transferred to a low-security prison camp after the meeting with Blanche.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Maxwell told Blanche she never saw Trump do anything concerning with Epstein: report
Ghislaine Maxwell got ‘special preference’ with move to Texas Club Fed
Wednesday 6 August 2025 19:30 , Oliver O'ConnellGhislaine Maxwell’s transfer from a Florida federal prison to a Texas prison camp, known for its relatively relaxed environment, reeks of “special preference,” experts say.
The disgraced British socialite, 63, who is serving 20 years for her part in a scheme to abuse and exploit girls with Jeffrey Epstein, met with the Justice Department last month as the Trump administration tries to tamp down speculation that it is withholding information on the late sex offender’s case.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Ghislaine Maxwell got ‘special preference’ with move to Texas Club Fed: experts
Vance meeting to discuss Epstein fallout canceled, report says
Wednesday 6 August 2025 19:44 , Oliver O'ConnellA dinner for senior officials at Vice President JD Vance's residence, intended to discuss topics including the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, has been canceled after news of it leaked, a source familiar with the matter said.
Vance's spokesman stated that the dinner, first reported by CNN, had never been planned.
“There was never a supposed meeting scheduled at the Vice President's residence to discuss Epstein strategy,” said Vance's spokesman William Martin.
In addition to Vance, the meeting was scheduled to include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who had recently met with Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
The Trump administration has struggled for weeks to manage the political fallout from the Epstein investigation, amid public pressure for more transparency regarding its handling of files related to the convicted sex offender's case.
President Donald Trump had promised to release files related to the disgraced financier's case if reelected. However, in July, the Justice Department stated that a previously announced Epstein client list did not exist, angering Trump's supporters, who have called for additional details to be made public.
With reporting from Reuters
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
