A lively debate ensued on a CNN panel when liberal podcaster Adam Mockler suggested that the release of the Epstein files represented a cover-up surpassing the magnitude of Watergate. The discussion took place on Abby Phillip’s program and quickly escalated into a heated argument among the panelists.
Mockler accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of engineering a vast government cover-up to shield President Donald Trump from damaging information present in the files associated with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. This allegation was met with immediate and strong opposition from Joe Borelli, Republican minority leader of the New York City, New York Council, and Trump supporter.
In the broadcast, Borelli insisted that Mockler confirm if there was any evidence tying Trump to trafficking. Upon being asked by Borelli if there was any proof of Trump committing crimes, Mockler confessed there was none. This discussion attracted more panelists, such as political consultant Tezlyn Figaro, who questioned Borelli about the incomplete release of documents. Borelli stated he would participate once the full file disclosure took place, ending the segment.
In November 2025, Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, mandating the Department of Justice to disclose all Epstein-associated files by December 19, 2025. The act received overwhelming support in the House and the Senate before being signed by Trump on November 19, 2025. The House Oversight Committee Democrats were given approximately 95,000 photographs from the Epstein estate, with only 19 made public initially. A new set of Epstein files was released by the Department of Justice in mid-December, revealing Epstein’s ties with numerous influential figures.
The pictures feature Bill Clinton, Steve Bannon, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson, documenting Epstein’s links to some of the most powerful people globally. However, the Department of Justice and legal experts have stressed that appearing in photos with Epstein does not suggest criminal guilt or awareness of his offenses.
The Department of Justice confirmed a letter from Epstein to convicted sex offender Larry Nassar was counterfeit. They stated that the handwriting did not match Epstein’s and the letter was postmarked three days following Epstein’s death. The DOJ also noted that some documents contain unconfirmed FBI tips submitted before the 2020 election, dismissing such claims as “unfounded and false.”
Despite Trump’s ongoing efforts to downplay his previous association with Epstein, the controversy continues to stir political tension. The administration’s approach to document releases has raised questions about transparency and potential undisclosed information.
More than 5.2 million pages of Epstein-related files are currently under review by the Department of Justice, with about 400 attorneys assigned to the task. The review is projected to extend into late January 2026, exceeding the December 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The extensive backlog indicates a larger volume of documents than previously anticipated.
On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Trump threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of networks. The president also verbally attacked Stephen Colbert, characterizing him as a pitiable trainwreck.
The escalating tensions over the Epstein documents, media criticism, and entertainment figures mirror wider disputes over transparency and presidential accountability.
During the CNN panel, Borelli depicted the Democratic and media focus on the Epstein documents as desperate attempts to paint Trump as a criminal.
The controversy is relentless as Democrats persist in their demand for complete disclosure of materials connected to Epstein’s vast network of relationships. The mid-December releases only represent a small portion of the total photographic archive held by congressional investigators.
Trump’s ongoing conflicts with media organizations and late-night comedians, along with his threats to broadcast licenses, have prompted First Amendment concerns among advocates for press freedom.