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Here’s what we’re talking about today.
This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.
Transcript:
Today is Thursday July 17th, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show
We start with the White House, where President Donald Trump’s trade strategy is under renewed scrutiny. In a recent Fox Business interview, former Trump advisor Peter Navarro acknowledged that many of the so-called “trade deals” the administration has touted are in fact unilateral letters sent to foreign governments, not negotiated agreements. The original claim of “90 deals in 90 days” appears to have shifted to threats of tariffs rather than formal partnerships.
Next, new polling from The Economist and YouGov reveals that 67% of Americans—including 50% of Republicans—believe the Trump administration is covering up evidence in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Additionally, 79% support full public release of related government files.
Amid the fallout, Trump has fired Maurene Comey, the federal prosecutor known for her work on the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. The firing came from Washington with no formal reason given. Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, was reportedly escorted out by colleagues in protest. The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has faced mounting pressure over its handling of Epstein case documents.
In related remarks, Trump referred to the Epstein controversy as “boring” and “a hoax,” and criticized those still discussing it—some of whom are among his supporters. When asked if he disowned supporters focused on Epstein, Trump said he had “lost faith” in certain people. This has drawn criticism from figures previously aligned with him, including Tim Pool and Joe Rogan.
President Trump also appeared to distance himself from Jerome Powell, saying he was surprised by Powell’s appointment as Federal Reserve Chair, despite Trump nominating him in 2017.
Elsewhere, Trump held a press conference in which he repeated inaccurate claims about taxes on Social Security and made a series of disjointed remarks about border security and the Epstein case. He suggested the FBI should investigate what he called “the Epstein hoax,” blaming the Biden administration for developments that occurred during his own first term.
I will also interview Mark Bankston, the lawyer representing California Governor Gavin Newsom in his lawsuit against Fox News for defamation.
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