Apropos – der tägliche Podcast · Tamedia

Bonus: Die neuen Epstein-Akten

·32 min·2 clips

The Epstein files reveal young women and girls were treated not as individuals but as 'tangible goods' among the circus of rich and powerful men.

1. The bonus episode of Alles klar Amerika, the USA podcast of Swiss Tamedia newspapers, examines the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice on Friday February 4, 2026. 2. Washington D.C. correspondent Charlotte Walser is interviewed by guest host Noah Fendt, who stands in for regular host Christoph Mümer. 3. The episode's core question is what the 3 million new documents, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 photographs actually reveal about Epstein's network, and what politically significant information remains concealed. 4. Walser explains that Trump himself made the Epstein files a campaign promise in 2024, pledging full publication, but reversed course once in office — reportedly after realizing his own name appeared prominently and to protect political allies. 5. Congress ultimately voted to force publication, with a December 19th deadline; however, only a fraction of the files appeared by that date because the Justice Department cited the scale of victim-protection redactions as justification. 6. The newly released material includes 3.5 million pages total across multiple tranches, with photography published and then withdrawn when it emerged that victims had not been properly anonymized. 7. The consistent picture emerging from the files is described by Walser as a 'circus of rich and powerful people' in which young women and underage girls were treated 'not as individuals but as tangible goods.' 8. Trump appears over 38,000 times across 5,300 documents, including newspaper articles and emails, but also unsubstantiated anonymous accusation calls to the FBI alleging involvement in abuse of minors; Walser notes mainstream media has not reported the allegations in detail due to lack of substantiation. 9. At a press conference Trump declared his innocence 'fixed' by the files and clashed with CNN White House chief reporter Caitlin Collins, telling her she had 'never smiled in 10 years' and was 'the worst reporter.' 10. Trump threatened legal action against author Michael Wolff, claiming Wolff 'was conspiring with Epstein to do harm' to him politically, and announced plans to sue. 11. Former Prince Andrew features in the new files via a disturbing photograph showing him bent over a young woman lying on the floor, described by Walser as 'a very strange, very disturbing, quite convincing image.' 12. Former British minister and EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson faces a criminal investigation in the UK after emails in the files indicate he shared confidential government information with Epstein; he has left the Labour Party. 13. Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit is shown to have had extensive email contact with Epstein; she has publicly apologized for 'poor judgment.' 14. Trump's current trade advisor Scott Bessent told a podcast he had met Epstein only once, found him disgusting after seeing a massage table and hearing references to 'the right kind of massage,' and cut all contact — but newly released emails show him scheduling a December 2012 visit to Epstein's private island. 15. The episode also covers Trump allies Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Steve Bannon, all of whom have confirmed contacts with Epstein in the files; Bannon is also shown emailing about consulting right-wing European parties including the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and AfD. 16. Bill Clinton appears four times in Epstein's private jet logs for 2002-2003, and Congress attempted to compel him and Hillary Clinton to testify before a House committee — a rare forced vote that was ultimately avoided when the Clintons agreed to appear voluntarily. 17. Approximately half the files — roughly 3 million additional pages — remain unpublished; the Justice Department cites child pornography material, victim protection, and unspecified legal reasons, with 200,000 pages withheld for no stated justification. 18. The tone throughout is measured journalistic analysis; Walser uses dark humor ('Come on, Charlotte' over the impossibility of reviewing millions of pages) and personal asides such as finding a Swiss cheese checklist for Epstein's island housestaff. 19. Listeners interested in US political accountability, the Epstein scandal's ongoing legal and political fallout, and the behavior of European royals and politicians will find specific names and documents throughout. 20. Those expecting forensic legal analysis or detailed coverage of victims' experiences will find the episode stays at the level of informed political correspondent reporting.

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