Thursday, February 19, 2026

Trump can’t stop Epstein probe: Billionaire testifies about ‘con man’s’ double life of crime


The video discusses the House Epstein probe and the new testimony from billionaire Les Wexner (0:00). Congress is conducting investigative work that the DOJ failed to do, stretching back through the Trump and Biden administrations (0:25).

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Les Wexner's Testimony (0:46): Les Wexner, a powerful billionaire, was compelled by the House to testify under oath about his long business history with Epstein (0:49). Lawmakers indicate that over a billion dollars cumulatively went from Wexner to Epstein (1:28).
Wexner's Claims (2:32): Wexner claims he was "duped by a world-class con man" and regrets ever meeting Epstein (2:41). He also suggested Epstein was a "skilled manipulator" living a "double life" (2:50). Wexner maintains he was only one of Epstein's financial victims (3:17).
Lawmakers' Doubts (3:46): Democratic lawmakers express doubt about Wexner's claims of confusion or ignorance regarding Epstein's activities (3:53). They imply he was downplaying how close he and Epstein actually were (4:15).
Epstein Island Visit (4:49): Wexner stated he visited Epstein's infamous island once with his wife and children (4:51). Trump's Commerce Secretary Lutnik made a similar admission, which he had previously lied about for years (4:58).
Ongoing Investigation Challenges (5:41): Maxwell, a convicted Epstein associate, continues to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights, preventing her from leveling with the House (5:41). The video highlights a significant gap between Congress's investigative efforts and the DOJ's actions (6:11).

Epstein files: Epstein-Bannon texts spark MAGA civil war, Wexner gets deposed


This video discusses two main topics related to the Epstein files:

Steve Bannon's text messages and interview with Jeffrey Epstein:

Newly released text messages between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein have caused a "civil war" within the MAGA world (0:00).
In one message, Bannon suggested President Trump should be removed from office due to "erratic behavior" (0:07).
The Department of Justice also released a two-hour video of Bannon interviewing Epstein for a potential documentary (0:13).
Bannon claims his communication with Epstein was to "secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject" (1:23).
David Urban, former Trump campaign adviser, states that no MAGA supporters are backing Bannon, largely due to concerns about him trying to rehabilitate a sex offender (2:42).
Urban also believes that these revelations, particularly the 25th Amendment reference, will further distance Bannon from the current administration (3:59).
Les Wexner's congressional testimony:

Les Wexner, the billionaire former owner of Victoria's Secret, is giving congressional testimony about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein (4:31).
Wexner claims he was "conned," has "done nothing wrong," and has "nothing to hide" (4:47).
He states that Epstein stole hundreds of millions of dollars from his family (4:53).
Wexner's attorneys told investigators in 2019 that Epstein managed Wexner's money since the 1980s until an initial state investigation in Florida (5:31).
Lawmakers are interested in "following the money" as Epstein's wealth, much of which came from Wexner, gave him "entree into that whole world" of the rich and powerful (6:28).
The House Oversight Committee has significant questions about the large amount of money transferred from Wexner to Epstein (7:24).
Wexner states he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 (5:04), and unlike with some other powerful individuals, the Epstein files do not show continued communication between them (7:31).


Epstein files: Britain’s former Prince Andrew arrested


Britain's former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office (0:00). He is accused of allegedly sharing confidential information with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2001 and 2011, during his time as a UK trade envoy (0:50). Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing regarding his ties to Epstein (0:16).

The video highlights the following key points about the situation:

Lack of Specifics (0:43): The police have not yet released specific allegations or details about the investigation, including what prompted the arrest.
Royal Family's Efforts (2:44): King Charles had previously stripped Andrew of his royal titles and evicted him from Windsor in an attempt to distance the monarchy from the Epstein scandal.
Continued Relationship with Epstein (3:10): Despite Andrew's previous claims of ending his relationship with Epstein in 2008, new email troves suggest he continued contact after Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Allegations of Confidential Information Sharing (4:15): Emails reportedly indicate Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded government report details from visits to Vietnam, Singapore, and China in 2010, and investment opportunities in gold and uranium in Afghanistan. The police are investigating whether he abused his public office or violated confidentiality agreements (4:46).
"Epstein Class" of Elites (6:52): The discussion also touches upon the perception of an "Epstein class" – an elite group that seems to operate under different rules and is not held accountable for their actions, leading to public distrust.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

300 Names Dropped in Epstein Files Bombshell

The video discusses the release of over 300 high-profile names (0:48) in connection with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Jesse Weber clarifies that simply being named doesn't imply involvement in criminal activity, as mentions can range from direct contact to unrelated press clippings (1:37). The DOJ released all files in its possession across nine categories, including those related to Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and flight logs (2:36).

The video highlights that many names, such as Janice Joplin and Kurt Cobain, appear due to innocuous references in emails or articles (9:24). However, other individuals, like Elon Musk's brother, Kimball Musk, were part of alleged schemes by Epstein to gain access to powerful people (7:31).

The video focuses on several notable individuals:

George Clooney (10:30): Mentioned in emails discussing events and potential connections, though he has never been accused of wrongdoing.
Chris Tucker (12:51): Photos connect him to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Jay-Z (13:09): His name appears in an uncorroborated FBI crisis intake memo from a victim's alleged account.
Bill Cosby (14:18): Mentioned in an email regarding a dinner invitation, highlighting Epstein's desire to associate with the famous.
Dr. Oz (14:48): Invited Epstein to a Valentine's celebration after Epstein's conviction.
Rudy Giuliani (15:13): Had meetings with Epstein, as shown in emails.
Robert De Niro (15:30): Connections primarily through Peggy Siegal, who tried to leverage Epstein's attendance at events honoring De Niro.
Mark Zuckerberg (16:41): Emails suggest Epstein and Woody Allen sought to meet or dine with Zuckerberg.
Hakeem Jeffries (17:16): Epstein seemed to monitor the politician and was invited to a party.
George Soros (17:48): Mentioned in an email about Epstein's island.
Jeff Bezos (18:05): An email from Epstein indicates Bezos was "worth seeing" and an email from Peggy Siegal mentions Bezos at a party with Bill Clinton.
Leon Black (18:37): Faced serious allegations of sexual assault at Epstein's townhouse and financial fallout due to his association.
Richard Branson (21:27): Had direct communications with Epstein, with emails showing Epstein trying to rehabilitate his image after conviction.
Howard Lutnick (23:17): Showed continued contact with Epstein years after claiming to have cut ties, including invitations to fundraisers and discussions about property.
Larry Summers (24:49): The former head of Harvard maintained a friendship with Epstein, including visits to his island and receiving romantic advice.
The video concludes by reiterating that association or mentions do not equate to criminal wrongdoing, and no one beyond Maxwell and Epstein has been charged (26:04).


Bodies Buried on Epstein’s Ranch?


The video discusses a new, unverified allegation from the Epstein Files that dead bodies might be buried on Jeffrey Epstein's Zoro Ranch in New Mexico (0:00). An anonymous email from November 2019 claims two foreign girls were strangled and buried on or near the property (1:05). This email, sent to radio host Edward Aragan, also requested a Bitcoin payment for purported sex videos related to Epstein (2:00).

Key points from the video include:

Property Details The Zoro Ranch, a 7,500-acre property south of Santa Fe, was purchased by Epstein in 1993 (2:46). It has been a site of multiple civil lawsuits accusing Epstein of sexual assault (2:55).
Investigation Launched New Mexico officials, including Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and the Attorney General's office, are taking these allegations seriously and requesting a full investigation (4:32). Lawmakers have approved a $2.5 million probe into activities connected to the ranch (9:52).
Forensic Challenges Dr. Nathafe Rutherford, a professional coroner, discusses the difficulties of excavating bodies on the Zoro Ranch's rugged terrain (15:24). She explains that after a long period, only skeletal remains would likely be found, making it challenging to determine identity and cause of death (16:26). However, DNA could potentially be extracted from femur bones, and hair or other buried items could provide valuable forensic information (22:18).
Current Ownership The ranch was sold in 2023 to the family of Texas businessman and politician Donald Huffines, who have stated they will cooperate with any investigation (11:45).
Past Investigations Despite previous efforts by former AG Hector Baldderas in 2019 to initiate a joint investigation and seize Epstein's land, the Zoro Ranch had not been fully searched by federal authorities as of December 2019 (13:19).

Lawrence: Banned from Colbert, James Talarico says Trump is afraid of losing Texas


The video discusses how CBS lawyers prevented Texas State Representative James Talarico from appearing on Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" (0:01-0:19). This decision was based on a misinterpretation of the FCC's equal time rule, which requires equal airtime for all candidates in an election if one is featured (1:43). The host explains that this rule applies only to broadcast television and radio, not to cable or streaming, and has an exception for news and talk show interviews (1:46-2:12).

CBS lawyers claimed Talarico's appearance could trigger the equal time rule for other candidates, including Jasmine Crockett (3:08-3:23). However, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated that CBS is protected under the First Amendment to determine its interviews, making the decision to yield to political pressure "disappointing" (4:01-4:14).

The host attributes this decision to the "cowardly corporate lawyers" of CBS, who previously paid Donald Trump $16 million to settle a frivolous lawsuit against "60 Minutes" (4:45-5:09). Similarly, ABC and Disney lawyers paid Trump $15 million in another baseless lawsuit (5:27-5:55). The host criticizes these lawyers for their lack of courage and principle in yielding to Trump's pressure (5:56-6:25).

Despite being "banned" from the broadcast, Stephen Colbert interviewed James Talarico on "The Late Show's" YouTube channel, where it gained more views than any other episode this year, even surpassing Taylor Swift's appearance (7:44-7:58). Talarico believes that Donald Trump is "worried that we're about to flip Texas" (9:12-9:16), leading to attempts to control media appearances (9:33-9:42).

Pulled Colbert-Talarico interview: CBS responds to backlash


The video discusses the controversy surrounding CBS pulling an interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico from Stephen Colbert's "Late Show".

Key points of the video:

Colbert's Statement (0:00-0:42): Stephen Colbert stated that CBS lawyers directly told him that he could not air the interview and couldn't even mention it on broadcast.
FCC's Equal Time Rule (0:42-2:07): The controversy stems from recent threats from the Republican-led FCC regarding the "equal time provision." This old regulation requires broadcast networks to give equal airtime to all legally qualified candidates for public office if one is featured. While there have been exemptions for news coverage and, since 2006, for late-night and daytime talk shows, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr cautioned that these shows would not be automatically considered bona fide news programs exempt from the rule, especially if motivated by "partisan purposes."
Colbert's Reaction (2:08-2:29): Colbert directly addressed Brendan Carr, calling the situation an attempt by the Trump administration to silence critics.
CBS's Response (2:30-3:02): CBS issued a statement claiming The Late Show was not prohibited from broadcasting the interview but was provided legal guidance that it could trigger the equal time rule for two other candidates. CBS offered options for fulfilling equal time, but The Late Show decided to post the interview on its YouTube channel with on-air promotion instead.
Talarico's Interview Content (3:03-4:11): In the pulled interview, Talarico accused Republicans and the Trump administration of perpetuating their own version of cancel culture, citing instances where they went after shows like The View and Jimmy Kimmel. The video also briefly mentions a past settlement between CBS's previous owners (Paramount) and Trump regarding a "60 Minutes" report.
Panel Discussion and Implications (4:12-9:58): A panel discusses whether CBS lawyers overreacted and the legitimacy of FCC's concerns. They suggest that CBS's actions might be a preemptive move for the upcoming election season to avoid issues with Donald Trump. The panel also highlights the "Streisand effect," where the pulling of the interview likely gave Talarico and Colbert more exposure than if it had aired normally. They express concern that this incident could have a chilling effect on other late-night and talk shows critical of Trump, pointing out the apparent selective regulation against left-leaning shows while talk radio (which tends to tilt rightward) remains unaffected.

'It is not going away': Enten on Epstein files' effect on Trump admin


The video discusses the ongoing public interest in the Epstein case and its political implications for Donald Trump (0:00). Google searches for "Epstein" are at an all-time high, with "Donald Trump" being the most associated search term (0:12).

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Political Impact on Trump: The Epstein case is identified as Trump's worst political issue, with a -39 net approval rating (1:05-1:54). Even among Republicans, Trump's approval on the Epstein case is significantly lower compared to other issues, standing at 55% approval (2:02-2:40).
Hillary Clinton's Accusations: Hillary Clinton accuses the Trump administration of a "continuing cover-up" regarding the release of Epstein files (2:44-2:52). She claims the Clintons are being unfairly singled out by Republicans to divert attention from President Trump's ties to Epstein (3:46, 7:44-7:50). She also clarifies a photo of Bill Clinton, stating it was taken during philanthropic work, long before public awareness of Epstein's crimes (4:28-4:54).
Epstein Fallout for Others:
Tom Pritzker, executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels, stepped down due to his association with Epstein, regretting his "terrible judgment" (6:05-6:33, 7:11-7:20).
Six companies linked to Sarah Ferguson (ex-wife of Prince Andrew) are set to shut down amid the Epstein fallout (6:34-6:50).
The LA Mayor calls for the head of the LA Olympics, Casey Wasserman, to step down due to "flirtatious emails" with Ghislaine Maxwell, which are causing a "distraction" for the 2028 games (6:52-7:08).
Upcoming Depositions: Both Hillary and Bill Clinton are expected to appear for closed-door depositions in the House's Epstein probe later this month (5:20-5:24, 5:53-5:59, 7:36-7:42). Hillary Clinton has stated she prefers an open hearing (5:37-5:39).

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dead at age 84


The video reports on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson at the age of 84, highlighting his profound impact as a civil rights leader who reshaped the Democratic Party and American society (0:00).

Key aspects of his life and legacy include:

Early Life and Civil Rights Movement (0:32): Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson's early experiences with racial segregation fueled his commitment to the civil rights movement. He joined Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965, learning from him and later leading Operation Bread Basket in Chicago, an economic justice campaign for Black people (0:38-1:10).
King's Assassination and Operation Push (1:46): The assassination of King in 1968 was a defining moment for Jackson. Years later, he formed Operation Push, advocating for economic opportunities for Black workers and customers, and promoting Black responsibility (1:56-2:11).
Global Reach and Political Campaigns (2:17): Jackson expanded his influence globally, helping to free Americans held in Syria, Cuba, and Serbia. He also made historic runs for the U.S. presidency in 1984 and 1988, significantly impacting the Democratic Party's election process by shifting it from "smoke-filled back rooms" to a delegate fight (2:30-5:45).
Bridge to Obama and Modern Politics (5:01): Jesse Jackson is described as a crucial bridge between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s movement and the election of Barack Obama. His campaigns laid the groundwork for a broader, more inclusive Democratic Party, focusing on economic justice and coalition-building among diverse groups, a strategy seen in later campaigns like Bernie Sanders' (6:09-7:25).
Relationship with Barack Obama (5:10): While Jackson paved the way for Obama's presidency, their relationship was complex and at times tense. Jackson felt Obama didn't give him due respect and openly criticized Obama for "talking down to Black men" regarding their responsibilities (8:00-9:32). Despite this, their families remained close due to their shared roots in the South Side of Chicago (9:32-9:42).
Later Life and Continued Activism (3:33): Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017, Jackson continued his fight for justice, participating in demonstrations for voting rights and silently protesting at the trial of Ahmaud Arbery's killers (3:45-3:59). His iconic chant "I am Somebody" (4:00) symbolized his unwavering voice for justice from the Jim Crow South to the Black Lives Matter movement (4:06-4:14).

Epstein Files: DOJ names Elvis & other ‘politically exposed persons’


The Department of Justice's (DOJ) recent release of "politically exposed persons" from the Jeffrey Epstein files has caused bipartisan frustration in Congress (0:00). The list includes prominent figures like Janis Joplin and Pope John Paul II, who are mentioned without context (0:15). Some lawmakers argue this is an attempt to muddy the waters between predators and those simply mentioned in passing (0:28).

Highlights from the video include:

Tom Pritzker steps down: Billionaire Tom Pritzker resigned as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels due to his ties to Epstein, expressing regret for his association (0:35).
DOJ's six-page letter: The DOJ sent Congress a letter listing hundreds of prominent people in the Epstein files, but being mentioned doesn't necessarily imply wrongdoing. For example, Elvis Presley, who died almost 50 years ago, is on the list (0:47).
Concerns about transparency: Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), a member of the Oversight Committee, describes the release as "selective" and indicative of an agenda that undermines public trust in Washington's leadership (1:46). She also highlighted that she was unable to view unredacted documents despite being granted access (2:51).
"Get real" reaction from Congressman Swalwell: Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, dismissed the list as "nonsense" (5:10). He emphasized that the American people want justice and that those trying to "muddy" the waters will not succeed (5:34). He also noted that Donald Trump is mentioned most frequently in the files (6:18), and accused the Department of Justice of a "cover-up job" (7:13).
Royal family involvement: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of Britain's royal family were named multiple times in the files, thrusting them into the spotlight (8:42). Emails indicate they visited Epstein in Miami in 2009, just five days after his release from jail (9:15). Epstein also appeared to pay for their flights to the US (9:50). While there's no suggestion of wrongdoing on their part, the files contradict previous statements by their mother, Sarah Ferguson, about cutting ties with Epstein (10:18).

Trump's Polling Is So Low That Even Data Gurus Are SHOCKED


In this video, Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian discuss Donald Trump's historically low approval ratings (0:00).

Trump's Declining Approval (0:00-0:35):

According to various pollsters (AP-Norc, NBC, Yahoo-YouGov, Quinnipiac), Trump's net approval ratings are at a second-term low, ranging from -19 to -26 points.
This indicates he has "fallen through" what was previously considered his "floor" of support.
Comparison to Previous Terms and Biden (1:12-2:13):

Trump's current approval rating is worse than his first term (1:23) (then -17 points) and worse than Joe Biden's at the same point in his first term (1:44) (then -13 points).
The hosts draw a parallel to Biden's situation, where low approval led to his party losing the House and his not being re-elected.
Reasons for the Decline (2:14-8:06):

The primary reason cited is the economy, which Americans consistently rank as their top issue (2:23).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revised the official count of payroll jobs at the end of 2025 downward by over 1 million (2:38-3:49), and the estimated net jobs added in 2025 were slashed by over 50%.
Job growth is slowing, with the US adding only 15,000 jobs per month on average in 2025, largely concentrated in the healthcare sector due to an aging population (3:50-5:23).
The hosts also point to the Epstein files issue (6:57) as breaking trust with Trump's voters, making them more receptive to economic realities like rising prices and failed tariffs.
Call for True Leadership (8:08-10:51):

The hosts conclude by emphasizing that Americans are desperate for leadership that truly represents and cares for them, rather than prioritizing wars or donor interests (8:10).
Ana Kasparian expresses concern that if Democrats fail to address these issues, the country could face a "scary" future, with the rise of figures like JD Vance, whom she describes as a "post-liberal Republican" who doesn't believe in democracy (9:11).
She links this to Silicon Valley's obsession with beating China in AI and the potential erosion of privacy rights (10:05) in that pursuit.

Rep. James Talarico On Confronting Christian Nationalism, And Strange Days In The Texas Legislature


In this interview, Texas State Representative James Talarico discusses his campaign for the United States Senate and various political issues (0:09).

Key topics include:

Corporate Media and First Amendment Rights (1:51): Talarico criticizes corporate media executives for compromising the First Amendment to gain favor with politicians.
Texas Political Landscape (2:41): Despite Donald Trump winning Texas by a significant margin, Talarico believes Democrats have a chance this year due to growing backlash against extremism and corruption, highlighting a grassroots movement with thousands of volunteers and shattered fundraising records.
Christianity and Politics (4:11): As a Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico challenges the co-option of Christianity by the political right. He emphasizes that Christian principles, based on the teachings of Jesus, prioritize loving one's neighbor and helping the vulnerable over political affiliations or issues like abortion and gay marriage (5:05). He argues against Christian nationalism, stating it's a "worship of power in the name of Christ" and a betrayal of Jesus (8:04).
Separation of Church and State (6:25): Talarico explains his fight for the separation of church and state, citing his opposition to a bill requiring the Ten Commandments in schools. He believes this separation is vital for both the state and the church, as the church loses its prophetic voice when it becomes too involved with political power (7:11).
Campaign Misinformation (9:58): Talarico addresses a false quote attributed to him regarding a political opponent, clarifying that while he critiqued their campaigning, he never made racist remarks. He stresses the importance of lowering the political temperature and focusing on winning elections.
"Culture Wars" as a Diversion (12:10): Talarico discusses a bizarre legislative incident involving an internet hoax about "furries" in Texas schools. He uses this example to illustrate how "culture wars" are often a "smoke screen" to distract from more critical issues like economic policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens (13:44).

Monday, February 16, 2026

Trump's History with Epstein Pt. 6 | The Daily Show


This Daily Show segment, "Trump's History with Epstein Pt. 6," satirically dissects newly released documents and images related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key points include:

Epstein Island's appearance (0:13): New photos reveal Epstein's notorious Caribbean estate looked surprisingly unimpressive, described as a "two-star Airbnb" (1:15) with questionable furniture arrangements (1:37).
Puzzling "study" details (2:35): A blackboard in Epstein's study contained scribbled words like "power," "deception," and "plots" (2:37-2:56), alongside a strange "dentist chair" room (3:16) with masks (3:20), later explained as being for a girlfriend studying dentistry (3:55).
Groundhog Day for Epstein files (4:42): The host sarcastically calls the repeated release of Epstein documents "Groundhog Day" due to the ongoing lack of new prosecutable information and the perceived shielding of elites (5:00).
Elon Musk's emails (10:06): The video highlights emails from Elon Musk to Epstein, including one on Christmas Day where Musk asks about parties (10:30). Musk's defensive response to the revelations is also discussed (11:52).
Howard Lutnick's changing story (13:37): Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's claims of cutting ties with Epstein in 2005 are undermined by new files showing he tried to contact Epstein multiple times afterward (16:08).
Lack of accountability (17:52): The segment concludes by criticizing the apparent lack of legal accountability for powerful individuals mentioned in the Epstein files, drawing a parallel to a "sanctuary city" for the wealthy where money and power protect them from consequences (21:43).

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