Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein in 1992
US-UK “Special Relationship” is a Hostage to Trump’s Mood
The Pomp, Pageantry, and Pitfalls of Donald Trump’s UK Visit
UPDATE, SEPT 18:
I returned to Times Radio’s Trump Report on Thursday for a 30-minute deep dive into the car-crash appearance of FBI Director Kash Patel before the House Judiciary Committee.
Supported by clips from the hearing, I evaluate how Patel misled, deviated, and insulted to avoid any responsibility over the files of Jeffrey Epstein, to prevent any investigation, and — possibly — to protect Donald Trump.
Kash Patel is there not to serve the American people. He is not there to investigate Epstein. He is there to serve Donald Trump’s interests.
It doesn’t mean that Donald Trump’s name is among Epstein’s clients — I can’t prove that. But it does mean Kash Patel’s first loyalty is to the man in the White House.
I close with a plea to recognize the priority beyond accountability: support for the victims of Epstein and those involved in his pedophilia.
ORIGINAL ENTRY, SEPT 16:
I joined Times Radio’s Trump Report on Monday for a 12-minute analysis of Donald Trump’s ongoing problem with the files of his former friend, the late sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein.
I chat with Anna Smith amid the latest revelations, forcing the dismissal of UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson, on the eve of Trump’s state visit to Britain.
“The ringmaster of the circus can’t keep the zombies down,” I note.
Will journalists ensure that Epstein looms over Donald while he seeks glory and adulation in London? And will his so-called “base” care?
Trump gets away with lying about his connections with Russia because it’s “the Democrats” that brought this up.
He can get away with lying about his blackmail of Ukraine in 2019 amid Russia aggression, cutting off military aid, because it’s “the Democrats” and his “enemies” that whipped that up.
He can get away with lying about the Trump Organization because “the courts are after him”.
This time it’s his own people — Republican legislators, some MAGA faithful — who want this to come out.
You can lie about the other side, but you can’t lie to your own.
I also consider the tactics of the UK Government in handling Trump’s visit this week, “limiting the damage” over tariffs and Donald’s chaotic approach to foreign affairs such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine — but also facing the plotting of the Trump camp, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Steve Bannon, with the hard-right UK Reform Party.
It’s impossible not to note your delight at the unfolding story, Scott. Keep at it, and thank you.
Nuala
Nuala,
Many thanks for the boost.
I have to add that while I hope those who are guilty are held accountable (whomever they are), my priority is not delight but the hope for justice for all the girls who were abused.
S.