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?”
"Well, as a criminal, crypto has significantly helped my business. It allows me to have security when committing terrorism, or trafficking in girls or drugs. Corporate money laundering has really improved with some new key crypto features. It really allows me to bribe prosecutors, legislators and Judges so much easier ... right from my phone!"
No matter what Torres says, there is no legitimate reason for first-world countries to engage in crypto.
I want to be clear: this is criticism of Torres only, not Tim. I am very grateful that Tim is discussing Gaza.
And I am going to put the full quote from Torres here, unedited, so it is in context:
"I have concerns about the war in Gaza. I mean, I want to see Israel secure the release of hostages and end the war, because as long as the war persists, you know, there's a real potential. Our experience with Afghanistan and Iraq tells us that wars in the Middle East can morph into quagmires that have no clear end in sight, that have no clearly defined strategic objectives.
And I feel like you should only send your children to die in a war when there are clearly defined strategic objectives. And I feel this is a quagmire that could persist indefinitely with no clear end in sight.
And it's going to be a ceiling on the growth of the Israeli economy. It's going to be a ceiling on the momentum of the Abraham Accords. Well, you know, maybe there are clear objectives and I look forward to the Israeli government."
Ok, I have listened to this a few times. I have tried to read it generously. I have tried to read it empathetically. But I cannot. His last paragraph is, in short, contemptible. If anyone can read between the lines and grant him more grace than I, then I am open to hearing it.
Torres worries that "the war" (not genocide, as even Israel's B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel are now calling it*) could become a quagmire that becomes a ceiling on the Israeli economy, and perhaps, PERHAPS prevent Israel from trading with Saudi Arabia, the second worst country in the Middle East.
No mention of the starvation deaths of children. No mention of ethnic cleansing, apartheid, or genocide. Not even a concern for what the genocide is doing to the souls of the Israeli people, and Tim, the souls of the Israeli people are not doing well.
No, his concern is ONLY for the growth rate of the Israeli economy, and if a trade agreement might be delayed.
JFC.
I'm sorry Tim, I know he attended your fundraiser, and that's wonderful, but his lack of empathy means he suffers from ASPD, commonly known as psychopathy. Pull out your DSM-V.
But I guess if that's what it takes, that Israel ends a genocide to maximize capitalist return, then I'll take it.
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.
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?”
I don't think anyone will say:
"Well, as a criminal, crypto has significantly helped my business. It allows me to have security when committing terrorism, or trafficking in girls or drugs. Corporate money laundering has really improved with some new key crypto features. It really allows me to bribe prosecutors, legislators and Judges so much easier ... right from my phone!"
No matter what Torres says, there is no legitimate reason for first-world countries to engage in crypto.
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.
For anyone interested, keep Torres' campaign contributions in mind when listening to him:
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/ritchie-torres/summary?cid=N00044346
I want to be clear: this is criticism of Torres only, not Tim. I am very grateful that Tim is discussing Gaza.
And I am going to put the full quote from Torres here, unedited, so it is in context:
"I have concerns about the war in Gaza. I mean, I want to see Israel secure the release of hostages and end the war, because as long as the war persists, you know, there's a real potential. Our experience with Afghanistan and Iraq tells us that wars in the Middle East can morph into quagmires that have no clear end in sight, that have no clearly defined strategic objectives.
And I feel like you should only send your children to die in a war when there are clearly defined strategic objectives. And I feel this is a quagmire that could persist indefinitely with no clear end in sight.
And it's going to be a ceiling on the growth of the Israeli economy. It's going to be a ceiling on the momentum of the Abraham Accords. Well, you know, maybe there are clear objectives and I look forward to the Israeli government."
Ok, I have listened to this a few times. I have tried to read it generously. I have tried to read it empathetically. But I cannot. His last paragraph is, in short, contemptible. If anyone can read between the lines and grant him more grace than I, then I am open to hearing it.
Torres worries that "the war" (not genocide, as even Israel's B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel are now calling it*) could become a quagmire that becomes a ceiling on the Israeli economy, and perhaps, PERHAPS prevent Israel from trading with Saudi Arabia, the second worst country in the Middle East.
No mention of the starvation deaths of children. No mention of ethnic cleansing, apartheid, or genocide. Not even a concern for what the genocide is doing to the souls of the Israeli people, and Tim, the souls of the Israeli people are not doing well.
No, his concern is ONLY for the growth rate of the Israeli economy, and if a trade agreement might be delayed.
JFC.
I'm sorry Tim, I know he attended your fundraiser, and that's wonderful, but his lack of empathy means he suffers from ASPD, commonly known as psychopathy. Pull out your DSM-V.
But I guess if that's what it takes, that Israel ends a genocide to maximize capitalist return, then I'll take it.
* https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20250728_our_genocide
OK, Tim, I don't know if you can hear my applause, but you are getting it from me.
That's twice in one day you've discussed Gaza. For what little it might be worth, you personally have my sincere thanks.
I am going to go off on Torres, but you have all my gratitude.
Thank you.
Nice to see that that crypto lobby money paid off for those guys
Crypto money is bad.
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/ritchie-torres/summary?cid=N00044346
But AIPAC money is worse. Much, much worse.
https://x.com/TrackAIPAC/status/1946262563773411416
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.