LIVE: Meiselas and Cohen GO LIVE on BREAKING NEWS - 1/13/2026
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖A federal judge ordered the DOJ to explain its standing regarding the Epstein Transparency Act, following congressional pressure over the minimal release of files.
- ❖ICE and Border Patrol are accused of acting as a 'paramilitary force' in Minneapolis, using chemical agents against peaceful protesters, leading to a 10th Amendment lawsuit.
- ❖Trump's public statements on the economy and other issues are critiqued for being factually incorrect and designed to treat the public as 'stupid,' undermining trust in governance.
Insights
1DOJ's Alleged Obstruction of Epstein Transparency Act
Despite the unanimous passage and presidential signing of the Epstein Transparency Act, only approximately 1% of the files have been released. A federal judge in the Southern District of New York, Judge Angel Meyer, has ordered the Department of Justice to respond regarding its standing and supervisory responsibilities to enforce compliance, even suggesting the appointment of an independent monitor. Congressman James Comr is criticized for stating the DOJ is 'cooperating' when compliance is minimal.
Michael Cohen states, 'approximately 1% of the Epstein files have been released so far to date... despite the fact that there is a ruling that it was supposed to have been turned over almost 30 days ago on the 19th of December.' (-, -). Ben Meiselas highlights Judge Meyer's order for the DOJ to respond and consider an independent monitor (-).
2Militarization of ICE and Border Patrol Against Peaceful Protesters
The Trump administration is accused of deploying ICE and Border Patrol as a 'paramilitary force' in cities like Minneapolis, targeting peaceful protesters with chemical agents. This is framed as an 'invasion' that violates the 10th Amendment by interfering with local policing, education, and hospital functions. A Slate reporter reportedly went undercover and was hired by ICE without qualifications, suggesting a lack of proper vetting for these agents.
Ben Meiselas states, 'Trump realized is why do I need to even invoke the National Guard if I have my own paramilitary forces? I'll just dress up these unqualified people in military gear and I'll have them terrorize peaceful communities.' (-). Michael Cohen recounts a video showing agents deploying tear gas (-). The Minneapolis lawsuit is based on the 10th Amendment (-). The Slate reporter story details unqualified individuals joining ICE (-).
3Trump's Disregard for Truth and Public Intelligence
Donald Trump's public statements are characterized as consistently false and designed to treat the public as 'stupid.' Examples include claims of 'thousands of percents' reduction in drug prices (mathematically impossible), 'totally defeated' inflation, and misstating the current year as 2024. The hosts argue this rhetoric devalues words and undermines public discourse.
Trump claims drug prices will come down 'thousands of percents' (-) and that 'inflation is defeated' (-). He also refers to '2024' when the current year is 2026 (-). Michael Cohen explains the mathematical impossibility of 'thousands of percents' in savings (-).
Lessons
- Demand transparency and accountability from government agencies regarding the enforcement of laws like the Epstein Transparency Act.
- Support independent media and journalism that provides on-the-ground reporting and challenges official narratives, especially concerning government actions against citizens.
- Educate yourself on constitutional rights, particularly the First and Tenth Amendments, to understand and challenge instances of government overreach and militarization of domestic forces.
Notable Moments
Discussion of a federal judge ordering the DOJ to respond regarding the Epstein Transparency Act and considering an independent monitor.
This highlights a judicial challenge to the executive branch's perceived inaction on a federal law, indicating potential accountability for the delayed release of sensitive information.
Footage and discussion of ICE agents deploying chemical agents against peaceful protesters in Minneapolis.
This illustrates the hosts' claim of government overreach and militarization against its own citizens, raising concerns about civil liberties and the right to protest.
Critique of Trump's statements, including claims about drug prices, inflation, and misstating the year.
These examples are used to demonstrate a pattern of misleading rhetoric and a perceived disrespect for public intelligence, which the hosts argue erodes trust and the meaning of political discourse.
Quotes
"Can somebody please explain to me why that file is not in the hands of Congress? Why it's not why it has not been released. Why do you actually even have to be going to court right now?"
"What happens when your branches of government in the United States now function like the Duma in Russia?"
"You literally have people in military outfits by the thousands with weapons of war invading blue states and blue cities."
"ICE and Border Patrol has become a welfare program to MAGA Chuds... who are unqualified for anything else."
"The odds of being born are one in 500 trillion to be alive. And whether you are a religious person or not a religious person, that number should be a very humbling number."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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