Congressman Ritchie Torres joins Tim Miller to take on Trump’s deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the FBI’s twisted priorities, how to stop Trump’s crypto grift, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
I saw Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) was on Morning Joe this past week talking about Epstein issue.
He said the public record is damning and the Republicans are realizing there’s nobody in Washington who has CLOSER and LONGER TIES to Jeffrey Epstein than Donald Trump.
That Donald Trump himself came out in 2002 New York Magazine profile as the only public figure going on record to acknowledge Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual interest in young girls / women.
That Mar-a-Lago was one of the recruitment sites for Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme.
He stated the most damning fact for him was Trump APPOINTED Alexander Acosta who gave a “sweetheart deal” in 2008 to Jeffrey Epstein and all co- conspirators HIS
Secretary of Labor which has jurisdiction over all human trafficking.
He pointed out there is nobody with less credibility about Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump.
Hillary was criticized was calling the Trump supporters “deplorables.” Trump was best friends with people who actually TRAFFICKED these “deplorables”- vulnerable, low information, low earners. Trump wouldn’t ever call them “deplorables” because he doesn’t even view them as humans! So he co-opted the rage of those who are dismissed, unheard, powerless, to tell them how much Hillary disdains them. She’s arrogant. HE, befriended those, whom GROOMED them. Hillary, arrogant? Maybe. Poor choice of words. Sure. But not an enabler to predators whom he doesn’t even deem as human.
It’s really wild to compare what Torres actually says, eg, “there should be space in the American heart for the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians” with the response he gets, eg, “AIPAC pays him to love genocide”
Gaza thoughts: If what is happening with starvation and humanitarian crises was happening in say, Greece, or Portugal, or Belgium, would other countries, including the US, already have gone in militarily and/or with UN peacekeeping forces, forced a ceasefire, started feeding people, and started investigating the degree of truth to the accusations of intentional starvation, shootings of Palestinians going to aid centers, and genocide?
(Please note: I am not anti-Israel overall.)
(I know the US is ignoring the famines in the Sudan and Yemen and other humanitarian crises.)
I like Torres, not sure why so many people are down on him. His answers about crypto are perfectly reasonable. Even Tim's comparison to Dodd-Frank misunderstands that the stablecoin provisions require 100% reserves, much stricter than anything in Dodd-Frank.
If I compare Senator Murphy’s answer to the Genius Act question to what Rep Torres said, Murphy’s authenticity and transparency is infinitely more convincing. Not surprised to see Torres has accepted a lot of crypto industry money.
Would improve my life if every series of questions about crypto STARTED with “How would you explain what you’re doing re crypto to someone who hasn’t given it much thought?”
There were rumors and hints that Torres might try to primary sitting NY Gov. Kathy Hochul for the 2026 Democratic NY governor slot, but more recently Torres has suggested he will remain in the House and run for reelection in 2026, although there are also rumors that the Democratic Socialists will try to primary Torres in a Democratic primary.
Wow. Rep Torres is mealy-mouthed as fuck. How do we do the broad-coalition thing while having baseline expectations for some passion and assertiveness from our would-be leaders?
Tim, I am impressed how you find these exceptional guests. Congressman Torres was awesome in his insights, understanding and articulation of an array of important issues. I thought I was pretty up on the who's who of Congress, how is it I missed this gem of a man? There is nothing to argue about in his views. He is concise, knowledgeable and authentic. He also has that rare quality that most of his Republican brethren sorely lack, empathy. My only comment is to Congressman Torres. Please assert yourself. Become more vocal and visible. Help lead us from this destructive road we are on.
I was okay with him until the most he could do was suggest that Israel should try to ease the suffering of the Palestinians without acknowledging that Israel is a significant contributor to that suffering, particularly when it randomly shoots starving people trying to access food aid. Thumbs down on Congressman Torres.
I agree completely. When I listen to Tim's choice of savvy, articulate guests, my faith is bolstered that our democracy will go on. When I just read news headlines and shared social media...not so much.
I saw Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) was on Morning Joe this past week talking about Epstein issue.
He said the public record is damning and the Republicans are realizing there’s nobody in Washington who has CLOSER and LONGER TIES to Jeffrey Epstein than Donald Trump.
That Donald Trump himself came out in 2002 New York Magazine profile as the only public figure going on record to acknowledge Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual interest in young girls / women.
That Mar-a-Lago was one of the recruitment sites for Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scheme.
He stated the most damning fact for him was Trump APPOINTED Alexander Acosta who gave a “sweetheart deal” in 2008 to Jeffrey Epstein and all co- conspirators HIS
Secretary of Labor which has jurisdiction over all human trafficking.
He pointed out there is nobody with less credibility about Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump.
It is as simple as what he states .
Hillary was criticized was calling the Trump supporters “deplorables.” Trump was best friends with people who actually TRAFFICKED these “deplorables”- vulnerable, low information, low earners. Trump wouldn’t ever call them “deplorables” because he doesn’t even view them as humans! So he co-opted the rage of those who are dismissed, unheard, powerless, to tell them how much Hillary disdains them. She’s arrogant. HE, befriended those, whom GROOMED them. Hillary, arrogant? Maybe. Poor choice of words. Sure. But not an enabler to predators whom he doesn’t even deem as human.
Congressman Torres is a class act. Thanks to both of you.
It’s really wild to compare what Torres actually says, eg, “there should be space in the American heart for the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians” with the response he gets, eg, “AIPAC pays him to love genocide”
Gaza thoughts: If what is happening with starvation and humanitarian crises was happening in say, Greece, or Portugal, or Belgium, would other countries, including the US, already have gone in militarily and/or with UN peacekeeping forces, forced a ceasefire, started feeding people, and started investigating the degree of truth to the accusations of intentional starvation, shootings of Palestinians going to aid centers, and genocide?
(Please note: I am not anti-Israel overall.)
(I know the US is ignoring the famines in the Sudan and Yemen and other humanitarian crises.)
How is it that NYC has been the target of 45 (2/3rds of 67) terror plots in the last decade, but is facing an average of one terrror plot/per day?
All the things the Trump is doing that are illegal are enabled by the fact that the laws are not being prosecuted by the doj anymore
I like Torres, not sure why so many people are down on him. His answers about crypto are perfectly reasonable. Even Tim's comparison to Dodd-Frank misunderstands that the stablecoin provisions require 100% reserves, much stricter than anything in Dodd-Frank.
If I compare Senator Murphy’s answer to the Genius Act question to what Rep Torres said, Murphy’s authenticity and transparency is infinitely more convincing. Not surprised to see Torres has accepted a lot of crypto industry money.
Sarah: not sharpshooting you here. You say "...Torres has accepted a lot of crypto industry money."
Can you cite a source or two on this?
Yes sorry Bruce. I saw a great graph on twitter that of course I can’t put my hands on now. There’s this https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/after-receiving-millions-in-crypto
I’ll amend today I don’t know if $128k is “a lot” but it does seem to among the highest for the industry
If crypto players gave Torres 128K, I'd say that's a lot. That would make me suspicious of Torres' support and is something that should be monitored.
Thanks!
Would improve my life if every series of questions about crypto STARTED with “How would you explain what you’re doing re crypto to someone who hasn’t given it much thought?”
Right - I meant that whenever I hear or read anyone’s thoughts on crypto, first thing I do is try to get a sense of how well they understand it.
Very impressed with Rep Torres discussion around the Genius Act and stablecoin. I learned a lot.
Nice to see that that crypto lobby money paid off for those guys
There were rumors and hints that Torres might try to primary sitting NY Gov. Kathy Hochul for the 2026 Democratic NY governor slot, but more recently Torres has suggested he will remain in the House and run for reelection in 2026, although there are also rumors that the Democratic Socialists will try to primary Torres in a Democratic primary.
Wow. Rep Torres is mealy-mouthed as fuck. How do we do the broad-coalition thing while having baseline expectations for some passion and assertiveness from our would-be leaders?
Does he have the same manner on the floor, or in public speeches vs long (ish) form interviews?
Tim, I am impressed how you find these exceptional guests. Congressman Torres was awesome in his insights, understanding and articulation of an array of important issues. I thought I was pretty up on the who's who of Congress, how is it I missed this gem of a man? There is nothing to argue about in his views. He is concise, knowledgeable and authentic. He also has that rare quality that most of his Republican brethren sorely lack, empathy. My only comment is to Congressman Torres. Please assert yourself. Become more vocal and visible. Help lead us from this destructive road we are on.
I was okay with him until the most he could do was suggest that Israel should try to ease the suffering of the Palestinians without acknowledging that Israel is a significant contributor to that suffering, particularly when it randomly shoots starving people trying to access food aid. Thumbs down on Congressman Torres.
I agree completely. When I listen to Tim's choice of savvy, articulate guests, my faith is bolstered that our democracy will go on. When I just read news headlines and shared social media...not so much.
Thanks Tim! As always I got some new insights from you and the congressman!