It’s Tuesday. Good news: Production has kicked off for the next season of Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso”!
In today’s issue:
- DOJ officials meet with Ghislaine Maxwell
- The Epstein scandal complicates matters at home
- WSJ gets booted from the White House Pool
- Colbert takes aim at CBS over show cancellation
- Lara Trump releases a new song
Jeffrey Epstein Saga
Trump officials pursue meeting with Epstein’s associate:
On Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed hopes of meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker. He noted, “We aim to connect with her in the coming days.”
This comes weeks after the Department of Justice (DOJ) claimed that the Epstein case was essentially closed. Some GOP lawmakers, however, rejected that assertion and insisted on seeking further information.
Why the renewed interest?: The Trump administration seems to be feeling the heat from multiple scandals. Blanche stated that the DOJ is currently in discussions with Maxwell, asking, “What can you share?”
🚨 Additionally: A House Panel has officially summoned Maxwell. What we know:
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her conviction for sex trafficking.
How did this meeting come to be?: Blanche indicated that Attorney General Pam Bondy instructed him to arrange this meeting. Bondy has faced increasing scrutiny regarding her agency’s earlier notes about the case, which rebutted longstanding conspiracy theories regarding a supposed client list or Maxwell’s alleged suicide.
Bondy defended the agency’s handling of the Epstein case on social media, stating, “If Ghislaine Maxwell possesses credible evidence about who wronged victims, the FBI and DOJ will want to hear it,” she said.
What does Trump think of this meeting? When asked, Trump claimed, “I don’t know much about it,” but added that it sounds fitting.
Did Maxwell consent to this meeting? Her attorney confirmed that she is open to a discussion.
Keep in mind: Earlier this year, Maxwell sought the Supreme Court’s review of her case. Last week, the DOJ urged the court to reject her appeal. Now, they want to meet with her directly.
What else is on Trump’s mind? Quite literally *other* things:
Issues surrounding Epstein have been consuming a lot of discussion in Washington, which seems to annoy President Trump.
Recent chaos has left the House in a standstill for two weeks, forcing GOP leadership to abandon various plans before the upcoming August recess.
Democrats are threatening to press Republicans politically. Instead of engaging in those discussions, many Republicans have just chosen to halt legislative work altogether. Notably, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) canceled a Thursday vote, effectively pausing House operations until September.
Interesting Tidbit: Check out this comment from Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Ky.) regarding Johnson’s management of the Epstein controversies.
Meanwhile, Trump’s True Social Feed was quite active during his attempts to divert attention from the scandal.
Trump has been trying to shift the news cycle toward less contentious topics that resonate with his base.
- He has proposed withdrawing the U.S. from UNESCO, citing it’s perceived anti-American and anti-Israel biases.
- Trump also wants to change the Washington Commanders’ name back to “Redskins,” even threatening to block their plans for a new stadium unless they comply.
He continues to dismiss the Epstein scandal, labeling it a “hoax” while rejecting connections to former President Obama and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In fact, he has shifted conversations about Epstein toward criticizing Obama when speaking to reporters.
➤ Coca-Cola connects with Trump:
Today, Coca-Cola announced the rollout of a new cane sugar version of its Signature Soda in the U.S. Trump had mentioned this change in a discussion last week, although the company only confirmed it today.
➤🎁 Hunter Biden sends a surprising gift to Trump:
Hunter Biden, former President Biden’s son, has made headlines with scathing criticisms aimed at the Democrats during appearances on various podcasts, even naming names.
At the White House
Who was in the Oval Office today?
President Trump met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, coinciding with a 20% tariff imposed on imports from his country.
During this meeting, Trump was questioned by a reporter about potential trade agreements between the U.S. and the Philippines.
Additionally: Trump has plans for a visit to China in the “not-too-distant future” following an invitation from the Chinese president.
The media landscape is tense:
The White House has barred the Wall Street Journal from covering Trump’s overseas trips due to a rift stemming from a report on his previous dealings with Epstein. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the Journal’s actions as “defamatory.”
The New York Times has defended the Journal: The Times criticized this decision by the White House as retaliatory.
Plus: NPR’s top editor, Edith Chapin, has announced her departure just days after Congress moved to fund public radio and television.
CBS is facing drama: Late-night host Stephen Colbert took CBS to task for canceling his show. The network cited economic issues, but Colbert hinted it might also relate to Trump’s influence.
“It plummeted over the weekend with their decision to cancel our show, but they made one significant mistake,” he noted. “They kept me around.” 📹 Watch the cold opening from Monday night.
Upcoming events:
In Washington, President Trump continues his duties. (All Times EST)
This week: Federal Reserve Banking Regulation Council is in session. What to keep an eye on:
2pm: State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce will brief reporters. 💻Live stream
4:30pm: Voting sessions will occur. 📆Today’s agenda
7pm: Trump will join a reception with Republican Congress members.
🐝 Internet topics:
🥭 Let’s celebrate: Today is National Mango Day.
💺 I’m still frustrated about this: Starting January 27th, Southwest Airlines will assign seats to passengers.
🎤 A new song is out: Lara Trump, the former co-chair of the RNC, has released a single titled “Eyes of God.” 📹 Preview it here.
👋 And finally…
I’ll leave you with a peaceful moment of a cat enjoying some sunlight.
