The Trump Report Trump’s Epstein ‘coverup’ is starting to unravel | David Cay Johnston
Feb 12, 2026
David Cay Johnston, Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist and RIT professor known for reporting on tax policy and Trump, breaks down the Epstein files saga. He discusses sloppy redactions that exposed victims and restricted congressional access. He traces Republican fissures, Pam Bondi’s contentious hearing, and a 2019 FBI interview that contradicts Trump. The conversation highlights political fallout and possible legal exposure.
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Selective Release Signals Possible Cover-Up
- The Trump administration released about 3 million of 6+ million Epstein pages and heavily redacted names, signaling selective disclosure.
- David Cay Johnston argues this looks like a deliberate cover-up to protect powerful people and allies of Trump.
Republican Fissures Over Epstein Files
- Republicans are beginning to fissure over the redactions as some members who reviewed files were aghast.
- Johnston sees this as early signs the cover-up is unraveling and fracturing Trump's coalition.
Lutnick’s Portrait Of Epstein As Extortionist
- Johnston recounts Howard Lutnick's description of Epstein as an extortionist who compromised men with girls.
- He says Epstein likely used leverage to create an aura of invincibility among powerful associates.