Summary
Overview
Anthony Scaramucci and Katty Kay discuss Donald Trump's declining political power in the wake of the Epstein files release, analyzing how the unanimous Senate vote to force disclosure represents the first major GOP break from the president. They explore Trump's controversial dealings with Saudi Crown Prince MBS, the proposed Ukraine peace deal lacking European input, and signs that Trump has entered 'lame duck' status just eight months into his presidency.
The Epstein Files Vote and Trump's Reversal
The Senate unanimously approved legislation forcing the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, sending it to Trump's desk where he signed it Wednesday evening. Trump initially opposed the release but reversed course after facing certain defeat in Congress, likely concerned about maintaining control of the Republican Party more than whatever the files might reveal. The hosts speculate that extensive redactions may still occur, particularly around ongoing investigations, though the bill's language appears to limit Trump's ability to withhold information beyond victim identities.
- Senate approved the Epstein files bill unanimously, House passed it 427-1
- Trump signed the bill Wednesday evening after initially opposing it
- The bill allows DOJ to withhold victim personal information but limits other exceptions
- Trump reversed course to avoid looking like he lost control of the Republican Party
" If there is a lot of information that is missing, I don't think people who believe that there is some kind of big Epstein conspiracy or who are dissatisfied with the way that the government has handled this, I don't think they're going to stop pushing for more. "
Trump's Declining Political Power
Both hosts argue that Trump has entered lame duck status remarkably early in his presidency, citing the unanimous Senate vote against his wishes as the first major Republican break from party discipline. Anthony notes Trump's approval rating has fallen below 37%, with particularly sharp declines among Hispanic voters dropping from 44% to 25% favorability. The discussion reveals growing cracks in Trump's donor base, with some hedge fund donors privately expressing they're "done with him" over his economic policies and overt corruption.
- Trump's approval rating has fallen below 37%, the lowest of his presidency
- Hispanic voter favorability dropped from 44% to 25% in six months
- Some Republican donors in the hedge fund community are privately breaking with Trump
- Party obedience is weakening as members face 2026 midterm elections
" I find that he has a heat shield on him like no other. I find that he can burn through the Earth's atmosphere and parachute anywhere into the Earth, land safely. "
" The Trumpster has gone lame duck. Quack, quack, quack. "
" He is still acting as if he is the same omnipotent president he was a month ago, whether it's kind of suddenly announcing a Ukraine deal that has no Ukrainian or European involvement, whether it's the activities he's doing around the world, whether it's with the Saudi crown prince, whether it's with Venezuela. "
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