The Wall Street Journal reports that at a White House meeting in May, Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy, Todd Blanche, informed President Donald Trump that his name appears in the so-called Epstein files multiple times.
Trump was told that many other high-profile individuals were also named. Appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate that an individual has committed any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, a judge in Florida has denied a Department of Justice request to release grand jury transcripts from the investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, undermining an effort by Trump and Bondi to quell criticism from the MAGA base over the administration’s handling of the files relating to Epstein and his death in custody.
The ruling comes as the president attempted to brush off “nonsense” claims surrounding the case and his friendship with Epstein, peddling a theory that former President Barack Obama manufactured evidence related to the investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard doubled down on the allegations, calling the investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign a years-long “coup” orchestrated by the former president, something that Obama fiercely rejected in a rare statement this week.
Just before the House went on recess until September, a subcommittee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for the Epstein files. The motion passed in an 8-2 vote, with five Democrats and three Republicans — Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Brian Jack of Georgia and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania — supporting it.
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Key Points
- DOJ told Trump in May his name is in Epstein files, report says
- Tulsi Gabbard pushes narrative Obama led Russian interference claims and ‘coup’ against Trump
- Judge denies DOJ request to undeal Epstein Florida grand jury transcripts
- Donald Trump rages over newly-surfaced Jeffrey Epstein wedding photos
Attorney for Epstein victims rebukes people 'salivating over scandal,' calls for files to be released
06:00
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Rachel Dobkin
Bradley Edwards, who has represented over 200 victims of Jeffrey Epstein, has rebuked people “salivating over scandal” and called for files related to the late convicted sex offender to be released.
Edwards told MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell Wednesday night, “ The victims generally — and as you said, I've represented over 200 of them, not every one of them is the same — but for the most part, all of them want to heal. And they deserve to heal.
And the only way they're going to heal now is if full transparency happens. Release the files, release everything in them, except the victims' names. Protect the victims, protect their privacy, release everything else.”
The lawyer continued: “There's a solution to every single problem that has come up and a quick solution. It doesn't seem like people want it; it seems like it's being driven by salivating over scandal as opposed to dissemination of the truth.”
The Trump administration tried to release grand jury transcripts related to investigations into Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, after pushback, including from its own base, but the courts denied their request.
Edwards called the grand jury materials “basically worthless.”
The grand jury transcripts are believed to be only part of the files related to Epstein.
Jasmine Crocket responds to Epstein files subpoena: 'Let the truth come out'
05:00
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Rachel Dobkin
Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, called on Republicans to “stop playing defense and let the truth come out” after a House subcommittee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The motion passed in an 8-2 vote Wednesday, with five Democrats and three Republicans supporting it.
“My colleague, @RepSummerLee, filed a motion in an Oversight subcommittee to subpoena the Epstein files, and it passed,” Crockett wrote on X. “Now let’s see if the rest of the Republicans will stop playing defense and let the truth come out.”
My colleague, @RepSummerLee, filed a motion in an Oversight subcommittee to subpoena the Epstein files, and it passed.
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) July 24, 2025
Now let’s see if the rest of the Republicans will stop playing defense and let the truth come out.
The Trump administration tried to release certain Epstein files after pushback, including from its own base, but the courts denied their request.
House Speaker Mike Johnson shut down the House early on Tuesday ahead of its August recess in order to block Democrats from bringing up amendments calling for the release of the Epstein files.
Columbia University to pay more than $220M in deal with Trump administration to restore federal funding
04:30
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Rachel Dobkin
Columbia University has reached a deal with the Trump administration to pay more than $220 million to restore a federal funding cut over claims it failed to combat antisemitism on campus, the university announced Wednesday.
The Ivy League school will pay a $200 million settlement to the federal government over three years, the university said. It will also pay $21 million to settle investigations brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty," acting University President Claire Shipman said.
Read more from Samantha Beech:
Democrat who successfully moved to subpoena the Epstein files calls Republicans 'hypocrites'
04:00
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Rachel Dobkin
Representative Summer Lee, a Pennsylvania Democrat, successfully moved to subpoena the Justice Department for files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and later called Republicans “hypocrites.”
Lee, along with four other Democrats and three Republicans on a House subcommittee, voted to subpoena the files.
Republicans also added that former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former FBI Director James Comey, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch and others be subpoenaed as well.
This follows allegations from the Trump administration that Obama and his top officials orchestrated a “years-long coup” to keep Trump from the White House, with assessments that Russia interfered with the 2016 election.
Through a spokesperson, Obama said, “These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”
The House subcommittee just PASSED my motion to subpoena the Epstein files.
— Rep. Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) July 23, 2025
The DOJ must now release them to the Oversight Committee.
The American people deserve transparency and accountability, and his victims deserve justice. The wealthy and powerful are not above the law. https://t.co/Z2X2XkeFgK
Speaking to MSNBC’s Jen Psaki Wednesday night, Lee said of Republicans, “They are desperate for this narrative that Democrats are trying to protect their own, and we're trying to protect our own...They were just trying to make this a both-sides thing to make up for the fact that they were being hypocrites, that they said that this is what they want...We saw that they ran on this in the last election.”
“So they're just trying to distract from the fact that they're being hypocrites, that they know that they're choosing to protect Donald Trump over the very victims that they keep giving lip service to, that they're choosing to protect Donald Trump over transparency for the American people,” Lee added.
The Trump administration has faced backlash, including from its own base, after the president promised for years to release the so-called Epstein files.
On Trump’s orders, the Justice Department requested the release of grand jury transcripts related to investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, but the courts denied them.
Trump has also faced scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein from decades ago and the possibility that he is mentioned in the Epstein files. Appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate that an individual has committed any wrongdoing.
ICYMI: Ghislaine Maxwell’s brother thanks Donald Trump for his ‘positive statement’ about his sister in 2020
03:30
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Rachel Dobkin
Ian Maxwell, the brother of jailed Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, has thanked President Donald Trump for making a “positive statement” about his sister in 2020 and showing her “humanity.”
Appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Tuesday to discuss the revived furore over Epstein after Trump’s Justice Department said that no “client list” belonging to the late billionaire pedophile existed, Ian Maxwell once more defended Ghislaine, who was jailed in 2022 for her role in the disgraced financier’s sex trafficking operation.
Maxwell told Morgan: “President Trump was asked the only time, I believe, in public – at the tail end of his presidency, so, you know, November, December 2021 [sic] – about Ghislaine and he said, ‘You know, I don’t know much about it, but I wish her well.’
“And I don’t think that anyone else showed the slightest piece of humanity, not anybody at that time, and yet he did. He didn’t need to. He’s the president of the United States, the most powerful man in the world. He could’ve just sloughed it off. He didn’t. He made a positive statement. I am very grateful to that and I know Ghislaine was too.”
Read more from Joe Sommerlad:
Army reveals the real cost of Trump’s birthday parade in Washington
03:00
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Rachel Dobkin
The controversial Army parade through Washington, D.C., in June that coincided with Donald Trump’s birthday cost the service branch $30 million, it announced on Wednesday.
“I can confirm the total for the Army festival and parade cost approximately $30 million,” an Army spokesperson told The Hill.
The event, marking the 250th anniversary of the Army, was projected to cost between $25 million and $45 million, not accounting for the cost of police and street repairs tied to the event
In addition to cost overruns, some worried the event would damage Washington's infrastructure, though an Army spokesperson said in late June the procession of military hardware had only been shown to damage a single curb, which the Army planned to repair.
Read more from Josh Marcus:
ICYMI: Mike Johnson shuts Congress for summer to avoid dealing with Trump handling of Epstein files
02:40
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Rachel Dobkin
Donald Trump's son appears to throw jab at Obama after judge denies release of the Epstein files
02:20
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Rachel Dobkin
Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, appeared to throw a jab at former President Barack Obama after a judge denied the release of certain files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Earlier Wednesday, judges in New York and Florida rejected requests from the Justice Department to unseal grand jury transcripts related to investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrote on X in response, “President Trump’s DOJ moved to release valuable Epstein information and a federal judge is blocking their pursuit of transparency. Are you paying attention yet?”
He also mentioned the judge in Florida was appointed by Obama.
President Trump’s DOJ moved to release valuable Epstein information and a federal judge is blocking their pursuit of transparency
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 23, 2025
Are you paying attention yet?
Trump Jr. then replied to Kirk’s comments on X: “I wonder why an Obama appointed judge would do such things?”
I wonder why an Obama appointed judge would do such things? https://t.co/2AwvvzdIIK
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 24, 2025
It seems the president’s son was referring to allegations from the Trump administration that Obama and his top officials orchestrated a “years-long coup” to keep Trump from the White House, with assessments that Russia interfered with the 2016 election.
Through a spokesperson, Obama said, “These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”
The Trump administration is facing backlash, including from its base, over its handling of the Epstein files.
Trump’s birthright citizenship order is unconstitutional, appeals court rules
02:00
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Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump’s order seeking to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
The ruling comes after the push was also blocked by a federal judge in New Hampshire, and puts the issue one step closer to quickly coming back before the Supreme Court.
More to follow with Mike Bedigan:
Ted Cruz claims 'Russia hoax' was created because partisans were 'mad at the voters for electing Trump'
01:41
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Rachel Dobkin
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, claimed assessments that Russia interfered with the 2016 election, which he and President Donald Trump call a “hoax,” was created by partisans because “they were mad at the voters for electing Trump.”
Cruz told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham Wednesday night, “These partisans are so contemptuous of the American people—what was the Russia hoax about? It was about subverting democracy. They were mad at the voters for electing Trump.”
Cruz: This was about subverting democracy. They were mad at the voters for electing Trump pic.twitter.com/xHwQXuubT0
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2025
The Trump administration has been pushing claims that former President Barack Obama and his top officials orchestrated a “years-long coup” to keep Trump from the White House with so-called Russiagate.
Through a spokesperson, Obama said, “These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”
The allegations come as the White House is embroiled in its own controversy over its handling of the files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Republican explains his vote to subpoena the Epstein files
01:25
,
Rachel Dobkin
Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania voted with two other Republicans and five Democrats on a House subcommittee to subpoena the Justice Department for files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“I just think it’s important that the American people know what’s occurred,” Perry told CNN’s Manu Raju when asked about his vote on Wednesday.
Scott Perry, conservative Republican who voted to subpoena Epstein files, told me of his vote: “I just think it’s important that the American people know what’s occurred.”
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 23, 2025
On Trump wanting to move on: “I have been very clear on my opinion on this issue for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/W8rQUbTwii
Trump's name appeared in Epstein-related records already made public: AP
01:10
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Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump’s name appeared in records related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that were previously made public, according to the Associated Press.
The controversy surrounding the Trump administration over its handling of the so-called Epstein files grew Wednesday after another shocking Wall Street Journal report was published.
WSJ reported Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy, Todd Blanche, informed President Donald Trump that his name appears in the so-called Epstein files multiple times, along with many other high-profile individuals, at a White House meeting in May.
Appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate that an individual has committed any wrongdoing.
The AP has pointed out the government had already released a 2016 deposition in which an Epstein accuser said she spent several hours with Epstein at Trump’s former Atlantic City casino.
She didn’t say if she met Trump and did not accuse him of any wrongdoing.
Trump had socialized with Epstein decades ago, and their relationship has fueled the controversy his administration is embroiled in.
Democrat who is a survivor of sexual assault celebrates motion to subpoena the Epstein files
Thursday 24 July 2025 00:55
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Rachel Dobkin
Representative Ayanna Pressley, a Massachusetts Democrat, celebrated a House subcommittee's motion to subpoena the Justice Department for files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“As a survivor of sexual assault, I know the pain & trauma survivors carry. This subpoena is a massive victory for every survivor who has ever been silenced, dismissed, or harmed.
@TheJusticeDept must release the files immediately. This is about transparency, accountability, and healing,” Pressley, who voted in favor of the motion, wrote on X Wednesday.
BREAKING: @OversightDems just subpoenaed the Epstein files.
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) July 23, 2025
As a survivor of sexual assault, I know the pain & trauma survivors carry. This subpoena is a massive victory for every survivor who has ever been silenced, dismissed, or harmed.@TheJusticeDept must release the files… https://t.co/kL89NFur45
Congress subpoenas Ghislaine Maxwell and plans a prison interview even after House Speaker questioned her credibility
Thursday 24 July 2025 00:40
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Oliver O'Connell
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has issued a subpoena ordering Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, to testify from prison in Florida.
Comer set Maxwell’s deposition date for August 11 as the Trump administration faces mounting criticism over the Epstein files. Maxwell is set to be interviewed at the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee, where she is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse young girls.
Katie Hawkinson reports.
Incoming CBS owner promises Trump’s FCC it will review ‘complaints of bias’ at news network and eliminate DEI policies
Thursday 24 July 2025 00:25
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Oliver O'Connell
Skydance Media, the production company that will soon take over Paramount, told the Trump administration this week that it would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and hire an ombudsman to review “complaints of bias” at CBS News once its $8.4 billion merger is complete.
Justin Baragona has the story.
Rep. Nancy Mace on Epstein files: 'People deserve transparency'
Thursday 24 July 2025 00:11
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Rachel Dobkin
Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, supported a committee vote to subpoena the Justice Department for files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and says, “People deserve transparency.”
“I’ve made it part of my life’s mission to protect women and kids, and I think that I’m ready to take this vote and move forward,” Mace told CNN’s Manu Raju, adding, “The victims deserve justice and people deserve transparency.”
New — GOP-led panel votes 8-2 to subpoena Epstein files. Ds forced the vote, and Mace, Perry and Jack voted in favor.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 23, 2025
Rs also amended to subpoena comms bw Biden officials and DOJ — and to subpoena Clintons, James Comey, Loretta Lynch and others.
Mace to me on the Epstein files: pic.twitter.com/AyRFqMsdSx
Full story: Judges deny releasing Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury transcripts from cases in New York and Florida
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:53
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Oliver O'Connell
Federal judges in New York and Florida on Wednesday rejected requests to unseal grand jury transcripts related to investigations into Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein.
Isabel Keane has the details.
Trump signs three executives orders on artificial intelligence
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:45
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Rachel Dobkin
President Trump signs three executive orders on AI:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 23, 2025
— Accelerating permitting to build data center infrastructure
— Promoting the export of American AI models abroad
— Protecting Americans from woke AI models driven by Radical Left ideology at the expense of accuracy pic.twitter.com/nxxWi36isL
Trump gives speech at A.I. summit amid Epstein drama
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:35
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Rachel Dobkin
While the White House is embroiled in controversy surrounding unreleased files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, President Donald Trump gave a speech at an artificial intelligence summit.
.@POTUS: "My Administration will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the United States can build and maintain the largest, most powerful, and most advanced A.I. infrastructure anywhere on the planet... It's time to reclaim our heritage as a nation of builders." pic.twitter.com/CsAYiDGQKg
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 23, 2025
‘Clearly furious’: Trump's summer victory tour has been swallowed by Epstein fallout, insiders say
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:17
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Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump’s victory celebrations following an uphill battle to pass his spending bill have been consumed by the Jeffrey Epstein saga — making Trump “clearly furious,” according to a report.
Trump signed what he called his “big, beautiful bill” into law on July 4. The bill’s passage marked a huge victory for the president’s agenda, but it didn’t spark the Independence Day fireworks that he hoped for. The news was swallowed up by the firestorm that followed two days later.
Kelly Rissman reports.
Massie says Epstein issue will grow
Wednesday 23 July 2025 23:03
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Oliver O'Connell
Thomas Massie on Mike Johnson: "He doesn't want a paper thin sliver of daylight between him and the president, and so that's why he's avoided taking even the symbolic vote on the non-binding resolution."
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) July 23, 2025
Trump says he would have ‘forced’ Bryan Kohberger to explain why he killed Idaho students
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:58
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Oliver O'Connell
The White House said that if it were up to President Donald Trump, he would have “forced” Bryan Kohberger to “publicly explain” why he killed four Idaho college students — after the cold-blooded killer declined to share his motive during his sentencing hearing.
After sharing a message from the White House to the families of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, who were brutally stabbed to death in 2022, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that if it were up to Trump, more would be done to deliver justice.
Isabel Keane has the story.
Schumer reacts to report Trump informed he was in Epstein files
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:41
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Oliver O'Connell
House Republicans knew this and left town?! https://t.co/3Ct2VSMChd
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 23, 2025
Trump's approval rating among men drops below 50%
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:39
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Oliver O'Connell
Men are cooling on Donald Trump after making up a significant chunk of the president’s 2024 voting bloc.
According to a new poll by CBS/YouGov, Trump's approval rating is tanking with men during his second term. It found that 47 percent of men approve of Trump's job, and 53 percent do not.
Graig Graziosi looks at the numbers.
DOJ announces 'strike force' to assess DNI Gabbard's Obama allegations
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:38
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Oliver O'Connell
The Department of Justice has announced the formation of a “strike force” to assess the allegations against the Obama administration announced by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard today and last Friday.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said: “The Department of Justice is proud to work with my friend Director Gabbard and we are grateful for their partnership in delivering accountability for the American people. We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice.”
You can read more about the allegations here:
White House not denying that Trump's name appears in Epstein files, official says
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:29
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Oliver O'Connell
The White House is not denying that President Donald Trump's name appears in the files associated with financier Jeffrey Epstein, an administration official told Reuters on Wednesday.
The official said the fact of Trump's name appearing in the files had been acknowledged in briefing binders that were shared with influencers.
Earlier, the White House dismissed as “fake news” a Wall Street Journal report that Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Trump in May that his name appeared in Justice Department files related to Epstein.
Appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate that an individual has committed any wrongdoing.
House Democrat's bid to subpoena DOJ for Epstein files passes subcommittee vote
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:22
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Oliver O'Connell
Democratic Rep. Summer Lee’s motion in a House Oversight Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee hearing on immigration to subpoena the Justice Department for its files on Jeffrey Epstein has passed 8-2.
NEW: Sumer Lee's motion to subpoena the Epstein files. passes 8-2.
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) July 23, 2025
GOP Reps. Mace, Jack and Perry voted with Democrats.
GOP Reps. Higgins and Biggs voted no. https://t.co/FvYLTLAXFH
White House delivers threatening message to The View
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:21
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Oliver O'Connell
The White House has issued a blistering statement in response to Joy Behar’s latest criticisms of President Donald Trump.
During Wednesday’s episode of The View, the panelists addressed Trump’s unfounded accusations that former president Barack Obama “[tried] to lead a coup” to keep him from returning to the Oval Office.
Inga Parkel has the story.
White House says discussion of 15% tariff deal with EU is speculation
Wednesday 23 July 2025 22:16
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Reuters
Discussion about any possible trade deals with the U.S. should be considered “speculation,” unless they are announced by President Donald Trump, White House spokesman Kush Desai said on Wednesday.
The spokesman was responding to reports that two EU diplomats had said earlier on Wednesday that the European Union was heading towards a trade deal with Washington that would result in a broad 15 percent tariff on goods imported into the United States from the EU.
Ted Cruz calls for release of ‘all materials concerning Jeffrey Epstein’
Wednesday 23 July 2025 13:00
,
Joe Sommerlad
Also on Newsmax last night, the Texas Republican Senator joined calls for the release of all federal files pertaining to the disgraced financier.
“I have long called for all of the materials concerning Jeffrey Epstein to be made public,” he told host Rob Finnerty.
“The man was a pedophile. He preyed on young girls, and obviously, he did not do so alone. And I believe that any man who sexually assaulted an underage girl should be prosecuted and should face the full consequences for their actions.”
Cruz also welcomed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s announcement that he plans to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, saying the move makes a “lot of sense.”
“She is a material witness to multiple crimes that occurred and getting her to agree to identify the men who sexually assaulted those underage girls I think makes an awful lot of sense,” he added.