The Playbook Podcast The Epstein saga spins on
Feb 9, 2026
Kyle Cheney, senior legal affairs reporter who analyzes high-profile legal developments. He previews Ghislaine Maxwell’s congressional deposition and why she may invoke the Fifth. He outlines how lawmakers will inspect unredacted Epstein files and probe redactions. He also touches on wider fallout from the files and related legal fights over immigration detention and oversight.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Maxwell Likely To Plead The Fifth
- Ghislaine Maxwell is expected to plead the Fifth rather than testify meaningfully to Congress.
- Kyle Cheney says she seeks clemency or immunity and is a strategically unreliable narrator while serving a 20-year sentence.
Unredacted Files Opened To Lawmakers
- Members of Congress will for the first time view unredacted DOJ files in person but cannot screenshot or publish them.
- Kyle Cheney says this access could expose whether redactions protected powerful people or were justified for victims' privacy.
Pursue Subpoenas If Redactions Seem Shielding
- Members use subpoena power and public procedures if they find unjustified redactions when reviewing files.
- Kyle Cheney warns they can expose omissions even if bound by confidentiality rules and find ways to force release.