The Joe Rogan Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience

#2447 - Mike Benz

February 03, 2026 • 2h 45m

Summary

⏱️ 12 min read

Overview

Mike Benz provides an extensive analysis of the Jeffrey Epstein files recently released, exploring the deep connections between intelligence agencies, offshore banking, organized crime, and global power networks. He traces a 40-year history of covert operations from Iran-Contra through BCCI to Epstein's network, arguing that Epstein operated as a professional fixer in the intelligence-adjacent space, facilitating money laundering and deal-making for powerful interests. Benz makes the case for compelling the CIA to release classified Epstein files, similar to the JFK Records Collection Act, and discusses how these structures continue to operate today through climate finance and other mechanisms.

The Epstein Files Release and Government Transparency

Benz describes the unprecedented release of 3.5 million Justice Department and FBI files related to Jeffrey Epstein, calling it an incredible moment of transparency. He explains how these files were released through congressional action with a 427-1 vote, despite friction between various government entities. The files reveal extensive internal documents about how governments interact with the private sector, though they only include DOJ-originated files, not CIA documents which remain classified.

  • 3.5 million files released showing government and private sector interactions around Epstein
  • Congressional bill passed 427 to 1 forcing the release of Justice Department files
  • The bill only compelled Justice Department files, not CIA-originated documents
  • Similar transparency occurred with JFK files under Tulsi Gabbard's direction
" We hacked the government's files. I mean, this is we have three and a half million files that it feels like we should not have. It would have been great to have had seven years ago in 2019 when this was being litigated. "

JFK Files and Intelligence Revelations

Benz discusses the significance of the JFK files released under Tulsi Gabbard's direction, emphasizing that their value lies not in revealing who killed JFK but in providing detailed documentation of intelligence operations' structure and methods. He highlights documents showing CIA attempts to assassinate Castro through mob connections and the creation of fake pornography for blackmail purposes. These files reveal the operational tactics that continue to this day.

  • CIA documents describe hiring mob hitmen to assassinate Castro through the Meyer Lansky Syndicate
  • The CIA created fake pornographic films to blackmail foreign leaders, including the president of Indonesia
  • Robert Mayhew was a CIA asset who facilitated sexual blackmail operations in the 1960s
  • These files reveal the detailed minutia of covert operations not seen since Iran-Contra hearings
" Pay attention to these hearings. This may be the last time for another 20, 30, 40 years that you ever get an inside look at the detailed minutia of a covert operation. "

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